Blue Jays: Best players in franchise history to wear jersey numbers 21-30

This article is part of a continuing series of the best players in Toronto Blue Jays history to wear each jersey number. You can read previous installments, 0-10, and 11-20. 

And now, the best players ever to wear jersey numbers 21-30.

#21 Roger Clemens

By the time Roger Clemens became a free agent following the 1996 season, his relationship with the team that drafted him, the Boston Red Sox, had soured and it also appeared that the then-33-year-old’s best days were behind him.

To the surprise of many, Clemens decided to sign with the Blue Jays, and he proved that not only was he far from being done, but he was also still perhaps the best pitcher in the sport.

In 1997, “Rocket” staked that claim by leading the American League in wins, ERA, complete games and strikeouts on his way to winning the fourth Cy Young of his career.

He was nearly as good in 1998, going 20-6 with a 2.65 ERA and 271 Ks to capture the top pitcher award once again. By the time 1999 rolled around, Clemens was unhappy (sound familiar?) and was traded to the New York Yankees.

#22 Jimmy Key

Jimmy Key is the best left-handed pitcher in Blue Jays lore and broke out in 1985 with the first of three straight 200-inning seasons. He was also named an All-Star that year and was a key contributor on a team that won 99 games and was on the precipice of the World Series.

Key’s best season was in 1987 when he led the AL in ERA (2.76) and WHIP (1.05) while throwing 261 innings and finishing second in Cy Young voting. The Huntsville, Alabama native cemented his place in the hearts of Blue Jays nation by pitching an absolute gem in Game four of the World Series, 7.2 innings of one-run ball in a game the Jays won 2-1.