The Toronto Blue Jays last competed in the World Series 32 years ago, with support from St. Catharines, Ont., and their minor league team known as the Baby Jays. Established in 1985, the St. Catharines Blue Jays were part of the New York-Penn League (NYPL) for a decade, acting as a developmental platform for players aspiring to reach the major leagues.
St. Catharines, traditionally recognized for hockey and rowing, provided an ideal setting for baseball due to its proximity to Toronto and the suitable Community Park, which met the NYPL standards. The league operated on an “up or out” system, pushing players to excel or exit the sport, as noted by David Siegel, a former professor now involved in baseball research.
Players like Carlos Delgado, who transitioned from St. Catharines to the MLB and helped the Toronto Blue Jays secure a World Series victory in 1993, showcased their talent in the minor leagues. Delgado fondly reminisces about his time in St. Catharines, highlighting the city’s charm and the supportive community that fostered his baseball dreams.
St. Catharines aimed to boost sports tourism by upgrading Community Park into George Taylor Field and exploring the possibility of a downtown baseball stadium. The Baby Jays garnered local support, featured in advertisements, and established a fan club to engage with the community.
Despite the team’s rebranding as the St. Catharines Stompers in 1995, the enthusiasm for baseball gradually waned, leading to the eventual departure of the minor league team in 1999. The legacy of the Baby Jays and Stompers lives on in the memories of fans like Jordan Clark, who cherishes the city’s baseball heritage.
The transition from Baby Jays to Stompers marked a significant era in St. Catharines’ sports history, reflecting the city’s aspirations for a flourishing baseball culture that ultimately evolved into a cherished part of its past.
