Interesting Blue Jay Facts

So one of the things I plan on doing this year is listening to the radio and TV announcers for every major league team. The beauty of satellite TV and radio, plus my obsession with baseball, should make this a slam dunk. Of course, this ambition may lose some steam in August when the -Rays, Royals and Rockies remain on my list. But for now, I'm ready.

First up - Blue Jay announcers. BJ home opener vs. Minnesota.

The radio announcers (I think Jerry Howarth and Mike Wilner) so far seem pretty decent. Howarth has a little bit of the Scully thing going. They both seem a bit generic in their call. But overall (through 2 innings), they appear solid. Calling it pretty straight, which I would expect for opening day. The color guy is VERY quiet. Of course there is not much to add in this game so far. But you would think on the first game of the season and the first time through the lineups, he would have something to say.

Jays tidbits - I nearly swallowed by tongue when I learned that this was the Blue Jays 30th season. Christ, I'm getting old.

The Jays have the best record in home openers in all of baseball. Something like 22-7. That coupled with Baltimore winning their 6th straight opener last night - made me think "hey wait, they both can't play the Red Sox every year in their opener."

Thsi is the first season ever that they Jays have not had a rookie on their opening day roster.

Apparently Kelly Gruber is one of the most beloved Blue Jays of all time. My personal favorite was John Cerrutti.

No Blue Jay has ever hit for the cycle.

Dave Steib is the winningest pitcher in club history (175 wins). That seems like a lot for a team that has been around for only 30 years. For perspective, SEA has Moyer at 139.