The Toronto Blue Jays are close to clinching their first playoff series win in almost ten years. This milestone has brought joy to Blue Jays supporters nationwide, including on P.E.I., where Don McDougall, one of the founding directors of the team, played a crucial role in establishing the franchise in Toronto in the 1970s.
Expressing his excitement, McDougall mentioned, “It’s quite thrilling, and I must say, like everyone else, I’m filled with hope,” during an interview with CBC’s Island Morning. The Blue Jays are currently leading the American League Division Series 2-0 against the New York Yankees, with Game 3 set for Tuesday night. A single victory in the series will propel them to the next playoff round, the American League Championship Series (ALCS).
Reflecting on the team’s journey over the years, McDougall shared his excitement about the current season, emphasizing the thrill of following the team’s progress. McDougall, a native of P.E.I. and owner of Mill River Resort, now residing in Ebbsfleet, remains deeply connected to the team’s success.
Having been recognized with the Order of Canada in 2023 for his instrumental role in founding the Toronto Blue Jays and his contributions to entrepreneurship and philanthropy, McDougall reminisced about the early days of bringing Major League Baseball to Toronto. He highlighted the significant growth of the franchise, with the Blue Jays’ value now estimated at $2.1 billion by Fortune Magazine.
McDougall also emphasized the team’s commitment to nurturing young talent, acknowledging the emergence of new players as key contributors to the team’s success. Looking ahead to Game 3, McDougall discussed the team’s solid foundation and the potential for a successful playoff run based on insights shared with former baseball manager Buck Martinez.
Should the Blue Jays secure a victory in Game 3, they will advance to face either the Seattle Mariners or the Detroit Tigers in the ALCS. Beyond that, the ultimate goal is the World Series, a best-of-seven showdown between the top American League team and the National League champion. The Blue Jays’ last World Series triumph dates back more than 30 years to their consecutive wins in 1992 and 1993 against the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies, respectively.