The last time the Toronto Blue Jays made it to the World Series, 32 years ago, they had strong support from St. Catharines, Ont., and their team that fans affectionately called the Baby Jays.

In 1985, the Toronto MLB organization created the St. Catharines Blue Jays to draw in fans from outside of Toronto. A year later, St. Catharines joined the New York-Penn League (NYPL) and stayed affiliated with Toronto for ten years. It served as a launchpad for players aspiring to reach the major leagues, and many did just that.

St. Catharines, better known for hockey and rowing, was a great spot for baseball because it was close to Toronto and had a suitable field at Community Park. This location met all requirements needed for participation in the NYPL, a Class A short-season minor league that operated from 1939 until 2020.

The minor league Blue Jays kicked off their first season in 1986 at Community Park, which is now called George Taylor Field, in St. Catharines. (Cathy Teshima Collection/St. Catharines Museum)

“This league is what was colloquially called an ‘up or out’ league,” explained David Siegel, a retired political science professor at Brock University who now writes for the Society for American Baseball Research.

“Either you’re good enough to move up to the next level or you’re out of baseball.”

Siegel went through microfilms of old newspapers at libraries in St. Catharines and Welland searching for any records related to minor league baseball teams in the Niagara Region.

He also frequently attended games in St. Catharines.

“For some players, this was their first stop after playing college baseball in the U. S.,” said Siegel. “It was also a destination for Latin players.”

One of those players was Carlos Delgado. He began his journey with St. Catharines as a catcher and designated hitter before transitioning to first base and other roles with Toronto, contributing significantly to their back-to-back World Series victories in 1993.

WATCH | World Series champ Carlos Delgado recalls early playing days in St. Catharines:

Ex-Toronto slugger Carlos Delgado on his early years in pro baseball, as a St. Catharines Blue Jay

Here’s what made legendary Toronto Blue Jays player Carlos Delgado wonder ‘what’s going on here’ when he played for Toronto’s single-A affiliate in St. Catharines at just 16 years old.

“Short-season A is the lowest level of minor leagues, but even then it was clear he would be a star,” said Siegel.

Delgado Reflects on His Time with Baby Jays

Delgado, now 53 years old, looks back fondly on his time with St. Catharines during 1989 and 1990 like it happened just yesterday.

“A young kid from Aguadilla, Puerto Rico suddenly finds himself in Canada,” Delgado shared with CBC this week. “All I knew was that it was near Niagara Falls.”

“We didn’t know where St. Catharines was located; however, it marked the beginning of my dream.”

A lot of eager teenagers came to this city hoping to start their baseball careers alongside him.

“We rented bikes so we could get from our house to the stadium,” he recalled excitedly. “To us that felt like playing on one of the biggest stages ever.”

“Sure it wasn’t huge compared to big league parks but there were always fans showing up,” Delgado mentioned warmly.”Every big leaguer – we all look back at our careers appreciating those moments.”

Carlos Delgado became part of Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame after being a catcher with the St. Catharines Blue Jays during ’89-’90 before advancing into MLB and joining Toronto’s championship team in ’93.(Diona Macalinga/CBC)

A number of other minor leaguers lived locally with foster families during their time there.

“They took us around Niagara Falls while introducing us to french fries topped with vinegar! I thought ‘what’s happening here?'”

Other former Baby Jays who went on to win World Series titles alongside Toronto include Pat Hentgen and Rob Butler.

For Delgado-who received recognition by entering Canadian Baseball Hall Of Fame back In ’15-the memories are still cherished regarding his early life within Canada.

The City Focuses on Enhancing Sports Tourism

The City Of Saint Catherine upgraded what used To Be known As community park( which Is Now George Taylor Field), right behind Royal Imperial Collegiate Of Canada.

Brought On By An Affiliated Team coming Into town , There Were plans For building A stadium In Downtown Saint Catherine.

An Introduction Brochure From ’86 Promoting baby jays , Expressed Hopes That The Team Could Improve Its Reputation In The “eyes Of Millions Of Possible Tourists” And Bring Thousands Of Visiting Fans And Teams To The Area.

The Announcement About The Formation Of The Saint Catherine Blue Jays Came Out At The End Of ’85 , Based On Information Provided By The Saint Catherine Museum.

The Baby jays Later Featured In Ads For Local Businesses While Also Having Their Own Fan Club That Organized Events With Membership Costs Ranging From $10-$15.

BUT AS per siegel recollections , Only Dairy Queen Nearby Benefitted From Packed Crowds Thanks To Those Games.

Jordan Clark age thirty-seven Grew Up Watching baby jays Even After They Were Re-branded As ST. CATHERINE STOMPERS IN NINETEEN NINETY-FIVE AND Created A Facebook Fan Page Celebrating A Tribute Softball Team He Belonged Too.

Returning Here Seeing Stadium Looks Much Smaller Than When I Was Young Said Clark Glancing At Rows Filled With Blue Seats Reflecting Signature BLUE JAYS COLOR , “IT’S Definitely Piece OF Heritage Sitting HERE.”

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During Late Eighties-Early Nineties This Topic Dominated Conversations even While Shopping After Games Next Day People Discussed Match Performances Together!

The Transition From Baby JAYS TO stompers

A Few Years Passed Before TORONTO Sold BABY JAYS FOR ONE Million DOLLARS TO LOCAL INVESTORS WHO PLANNED ON REBRANDING THEM INTO STOMPERS IN NINETY-FIVE Referencing Ontario’s Wine Belt As Part OF THE NEW TEAM NAME !

SIEGEL BELIEVED OWNERS WERE LOOKING TO HOLD ONTO TEAM UNTIL THEY COULD SELL IT OFF TO CORPORATIONS WITH INTERESTS ACROSS MULTIPLE MINOR LEAGUES!

DREAMS OF BUILDING AN ACTUAL BASEBALL STADIUM FELL THROUGH BECAUSE FORMER COMMUNITY PARK WAS NOT LOCATED WELL ENOUGH AND DIDN’T HAVE ANYTHING SPECIAL GOING FOR IT!

IT Didn’t Surprise SIEGEL WHEN TEAM LEFT TOWN IN LATE NINETIES!

I STILL HAVE MY STOMPERS CAP WHICH I WEAR EVERY SO OFTEN-THOSE DAYS CAME AND WENT BUT THOSE WHO REALLY LOVE BASEBALL STILL REMEMBER THAT TIME FONDLY!<img src=st_catharine_blue_jays_museum_logo_here img=
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