From simmonssteve: Polarizing Bautista, the bat-flipping superstar who came from nowhere
This will be a day worth celebrating for a team and a fan base forever in need of celebration. But this is a life-changing party of sorts for an against-all-odds player whose entire career was about proving people wrong. And along the way, he obliterated the doubters and he will certainly be Hall of Fame bound, even if it’s St. Marys, Ont., instead of Cooperstown, N.Y.
Jose Bautista, right, arrives with his family and Toronto Blue Jays president and CEO Mark Shapiro for a news conference at the Rogers Centre in Toronto on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023. Bautista signed a one-day contract to officially retire as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays.There was something about Bautista that engaged and enraged the Blue Jays before he ever played a game for them. Cito Gaston first took notice of him when he hit a home run off Halladay to win a game for the Pirates.
“He wouldn’t keep his foot down on his swing. He would get ready properly. He was late on fastballs.”.Murphy and Gaston did the coaching. What Bautista managed — so much on his own — was the work and the listening. The daily, difficult work. “We talked to him all the time, but he had to change,” said Gaston. “And he did change. You know, he has close to Hall of Fame numbers. I wish we got to him earlier. You never know what his numbers might have been.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jose Bautista to Retire as a Toronto Blue JayJose Bautista, one of the most popular players in club history, has agreed to sign a one-day contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, allowing him to retire as a Jay. The ceremony will take place at the Rogers Centre, where his name will be placed on the Jays Level of Excellence, honoring his remarkable 10-year career with the franchise.
Read more »
Jose Bautista Officially Retires as a Member of Toronto Blue JaysJose Bautista, the former outfielder of the Toronto Blue Jays, has signed a one-day contract with the team to officially retire. Bautista spent 10 seasons with the Blue Jays, making the All-Star team six times and winning three Silver Slugger awards. He hit 288 home runs and led the majors in long balls in 2010 and 2011. The Blue Jays will honor Bautista by adding his name to the Level of Excellence in a pre-game ceremony.
Read more »
Jose Bautista Officially Retires as a Toronto Blue JayJose Bautista, the long-time Toronto slugger, officially ended his playing career with the Toronto Blue Jays by signing a one-day contract. The retirement was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but Bautista and Blue Jays team president Mark Shapiro made it official in a news conference at Rogers Centre. Bautista will be honored in a pre-game ceremony and added to the Level of Excellence at Rogers Centre.
Read more »
Jose Bautista Signs One-Day Contract with Toronto Blue JaysIn a small ceremony, Jose Bautista signed a one-day contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, officially retiring as a Blue Jay. Many were surprised as they thought Bautista had retired years ago. Despite not playing baseball anymore, Bautista still maintains an impressive physique and beard. However, the most noticeable difference was his smile, something rarely seen before. Team president Mark Shapiro praised Bautista's dedication to the craft of baseball. Despite past tensions, Toronto sports fans have moved on and are now celebrating the successful partnership between Bautista and the team.
Read more »
Mini Bautista, an Internet Sensation, to Miss José Bautista's Honouring CeremonyOscar Wood, also known as 'Mini Bautista', who became an internet sensation in 2015 for dressing up as José Bautista, will be unable to attend Bautista's honouring ceremony at Rogers Centre. Wood and his family, who now reside in the U.K., will be watching the ceremonies and the game against the Chicago Cubs on television.
Read more »