30 Facts About Mariners Vs. Blue Jays

Mariners vs. Blue Jays: A Historic Rivalry

The Mariners and Blue Jays have a rich history filled with memorable moments. From thrilling games to record-breaking performances, this rivalry has it all. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about these two teams.

1. The Seattle Mariners joined Major League Baseball (MLB) in 1977 as an expansion team. The Toronto Blue Jays also entered the league the same year.

2. Both teams have experienced long playoff droughts. The Mariners hold the record for the longest playoff drought in North American sports, missing the postseason since 2001.

3. The Blue Jays won back-to-back World Series titles in 1992 and 1993, becoming the first team outside the United States to win the championship.

4. The Mariners' home stadium, T-Mobile Park, features a retractable roof, ensuring games can be played rain or shine. The Blue Jays' Rogers Centre also has a retractable roof, making them two of the few MLB teams with this feature.

5. Ken Griffey Jr., one of the greatest players in MLB history, spent most of his career with the Mariners. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016.

6. The Blue Jays' mascot, Ace, is a blue jay bird who entertains fans at Rogers Centre. The Mariners' mascot, Mariner Moose, has been a fan favorite since 1990.

Memorable Games and Moments

Throughout their history, the Mariners and Blue Jays have faced off in numerous unforgettable games. Here are some highlights from their matchups.

7. In 1995, the Mariners clinched their first-ever playoff berth with a dramatic win over the California Angels, leading to an epic series against the Yankees. This moment is often credited with saving baseball in Seattle.

8. The Blue Jays' Joe Carter hit a walk-off home run in Game 6 of the 1993 World Series, securing the championship for Toronto. This iconic moment is one of the most memorable in baseball history.

9. In 2016, the Blue Jays and Mariners played a 19-inning marathon game, one of the longest in MLB history. The Blue Jays eventually won 2-1.

10. Felix Hernandez, a Mariners legend, pitched a perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays in 2012. This was the first perfect game in Mariners history.

11. The Blue Jays' Edwin Encarnacion hit a walk-off home run in the 2016 American League Wild Card Game, propelling Toronto to the playoffs.

12. The Mariners' Ichiro Suzuki set the MLB record for most hits in a single season with 262 in 2004. He was a key player for Seattle for many years.

Players Who Made an Impact

Several players have left their mark on the Mariners and Blue Jays, contributing to the teams' successes and memorable moments.

13. Randy Johnson, a dominant pitcher, played for the Mariners from 1989 to 1998. He won the Cy Young Award with Seattle in 1995.

14. The Blue Jays' Roberto Alomar was a key player during their World Series runs. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.

15. Mariners' Edgar Martinez is considered one of the best designated hitters in MLB history. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019.

16. The Blue Jays' Roy Halladay, known for his incredible pitching, won two Cy Young Awards and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019.

17. Alex Rodriguez began his career with the Mariners, quickly becoming one of the most talented players in the league.

18. The Blue Jays' Josh Donaldson won the American League MVP award in 2015, leading Toronto to the playoffs.

Fan Culture and Traditions

Both teams boast passionate fan bases and unique traditions that add to the excitement of their games.

19. Mariners fans are known for their "King's Court" section, where fans wear yellow shirts and cheer loudly for Felix Hernandez during his starts.

20. The Blue Jays' fans celebrate "The Wave" at Rogers Centre, creating a sea of movement throughout the stadium.

21. Mariners fans often chant "Ichiro!" in honor of their beloved former player, Ichiro Suzuki.

22. Blue Jays fans have a tradition of throwing home run balls back onto the field if hit by the opposing team.

23. The Mariners' "Rally Fries" tradition started when a fan caught a foul ball while holding a tray of fries. The team now gives away fries to fans during games.

24. Blue Jays fans are known for their enthusiastic support during the annual Canada Day game, creating a festive atmosphere at Rogers Centre.

Records and Achievements

Both teams have set numerous records and achieved significant milestones throughout their histories.

25. The Mariners won a record 116 games in the 2001 season, tying the MLB record for most wins in a single season.

26. The Blue Jays' Jose Bautista set a franchise record with 54 home runs in the 2010 season.

27. Mariners' pitcher Jamie Moyer became the oldest pitcher to win a game in MLB history at age 49.

28. The Blue Jays' Dave Stieb threw the first no-hitter in franchise history in 1990.

29. Mariners' outfielder Jay Buhner hit 40 or more home runs in three consecutive seasons from 1995 to 1997.

30. The Blue Jays' Carlos Delgado set a franchise record with 145 RBIs in the 2003 season.

Final Whistle

Mariners vs. Blue Jays games are always a thrill. From the intense rivalry to the standout players, there's never a dull moment. Both teams have rich histories, passionate fan bases, and memorable moments that keep everyone on the edge of their seats. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just love a good game, these matchups offer something special. The stats, records, and unforgettable plays make each encounter unique. So next time these teams face off, you'll know a bit more about what makes their rivalry so exciting. Keep these facts in mind and enjoy the game even more. Baseball isn't just about the scores; it's about the stories, the players, and the fans who make it all come alive. Here's to many more epic showdowns between the Mariners and the Blue Jays!