Blue Jays Notes: Tony Fernandez, Mark Shapiro, Spring Training Hats and more

12 Apr 1998: Infielder Tony Fernandez of the Toronto Blue Jays in action during a game against the Texas Rangers at The Ball Park in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers won the game, 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport
12 Apr 1998: Infielder Tony Fernandez of the Toronto Blue Jays in action during a game against the Texas Rangers at The Ball Park in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers won the game, 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport /
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The latest installment of Toronto Blue Jays News and Notes features updates on Tony Fernandez, Mark Shapiro, Spring Training Hats and more.

Fernandez Showing Signs Of Progress

It would appear that former Blue Jays legend Tony Fernandez is showing signs of progress in his battle with a kidney ailment while his prognosis is much more positive than in past updates. Jesse Barfield tweeted out the update after speaking with Tony’s wife Clara earlier yesterday.

Barfield tweeted that the former shortstop’s vitals were improving while his heart gets stronger and they have managed drain his lungs of the fluid. Clara also affirmed that Fernandez is a fighter and asked Jesse to thank all the fans on her behalf.

Fernandez was hospitalized in 2017 after being diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease. The disease is an inherited disorder where clusters of cysts attack the kidneys and eventually render them ineffective over time.

Shapiro Sits Down With Stephen Brunt

President Mark Shapiro sat down with Stephen Brunt for a 20-minute exclusive discussing all things Blue Jays. Shapiro did not divulge any trade secrets during the interview but he did share a little information on what makes him tick and how he handles any negativity that is hurled his way.

The exclusive is definitely another nice piece of journalism from the well-respected Brunt.

Spring Training Hats Are Fire

The team Twitter account tweeted a photo of the Blue Jays 2020 spring training hats and they are are a home run.

The caps feature the Blue Jays logo inside the red maple leaf in what are sure to be a crowd-pleaser during Grapefruit League action. The team is killing it in the marketing department this offseason with the baby blue alternate jerseys and now the spring training lids.

https://twitter.com/BlueJays/status/1224787641780097026

Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame Announces Newest Inductees

The Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame announced its 2020 inductees earlier this week. Former Blue Jays first baseman John Olerud, reliever Duane Ward, Twins slugger Justin Morneau, and Montreal Expos broadcaster Jacques Doucet will all be enshrined into the Hall of Fame on June 20th in St. Marys, Ontario.

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That concludes another edition of the News and Notes for this week, stay strong kids, pitchers and catchers report in under two weeks.