1985 was the Jays' nineth season in operation and they still played at Exhibition Stadium, which was called "The Mistake By the Lake." The team was owned by Labatt Breweries (45%), Imperial Trust Ltd. (45%) and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (10%). Average attendance was 31,653. Under manager Bobby Cox, the team finished atop the American League East, with a stellar record of 99 wins and 62 losses. It marked the first time the Jays reached postseason play. However, they collapsed in American League Championship series to the Kansas City Royals. To the disappointment of their fans, the Jays blew a 3-1 series lead and lost in seven games. The Royals went on to win the World Series that year. Still, the 1985 season was magical and fans had a taste of what was to come with back-to-back World Series victories in 1992 and 1993.
The 1985 Blue Jays featured the best young outfield in baseball - George Bell (left field), Lloyd Moseby (centre field) and Jesse Barfield (right field). Bell led the team with 28 home runs and he drove in 95 runs. Moseby and Barfield, as well as first baseman Willie Upshaw and catcher Ernie Whitt all hit 20 homers or more. Shortstop Tony Fernandez and outfielder Jesse Barfield shared the highest batting average of .289.
The pitching on that 1985 team was impressive, too. Dave Stieb recorded 14 wins and 13 losses, with an ERA of 2.48. Doyle Alexander had 17 wins and 10 losses, with an ERA of 3.45. Jimmy Key won 14 games, lost 6, with an ERA of 3.00.
Fast forward 40 years. It's 2025. The Blue Jays now play in a domed stadium with a retractable roof, located at the base of city's landmark CN Tower. The team is entirely owned by Rogers Communications Inc, which also owns the domed stadium. Rogers paid $25 million in 2005, a bargain basement price considering that it was originally built for $600 million. The dome opened in June of 1989. It was called SkyDome, but is now known as Rogers Centre, a name I detest. I'm not fond of the corporate naming of sports venues. However, if the dome had to have the Rogers name, it should have been called Rogers Field or Roger's Stadium or Roger's Park or Roger's Dome. A baseball field is not a "cemtre."
The other change that doesn't please me is the high cost of tickets. Fans can't catch a break. Ticket prices are going sky high. A Blue Jays game is still more affordable than a hockey game at Scotiabank Centre, but we all know that prices will continue to rise.
By the way, in 1985, an upper level chair for the American League Championship Series at Exhibition Stadium cost $33.00 Canadian.
