The Toronto Blue Jays and the team’s fans did everything possible to honor one of their franchise legends in what may have been his final home game as a member of the team.
Jose Bautista received honor after honor and special recognition throughout the Blue Jays’ 9-5 win over the New York Yankees on Sunday. It started with Bautista taking the field on his own before his teammates to receive special appreciation:
All class. pic.twitter.com/MEd2RqQ9Km
— Blue Jays (@BlueJays) September 24, 2017
Jose Bautista runs onto the field alone. The team and the fans giving him a standing ovation. Chills. #BlueJays pic.twitter.com/lH8ICDih7o
— Rachel Miller (@RachelErinM) September 24, 2017
Bautista then received a standing ovation for his first at-bat of the game. The fans honored him and cheered for him each time he came to the plate. Then with one out in the ninth inning, manager John Gibbons subbed out Bautista for a replacement so the outfielder could have another moment of glory.
Your right fielder, No. 19, José Bautista. pic.twitter.com/gzsNOdkW6G
— Blue Jays (@BlueJays) September 24, 2017
Bautista even came out of the dugout for a curtain call too:
Thank you, @JoeyBats19. pic.twitter.com/ORpSkq90JI
— Blue Jays (@BlueJays) September 24, 2017
Bautista went 2-for-4 in the game, but he’s only batting .203 this season and he set the franchise record for most strikeouts in a season. Though he was a critical part of the Toronto’s recent success, Joey Bats has dropped off so much in his play the past two seasons that the Jays are unlikely to pick up his contract option for next season, which would make him a free agent.
The 36-year-old said after the game he wanted to continue playing for Toronto.
Bautista: "A lot of good emotions. It's good to be recognized and it's good to feel the love. I appreciate everything that happened today."
— Gregor Chisholm (@gregorMLB) September 24, 2017
Bautista: "I know that I want to come back. I've always been clear about that, that's never going to change … I'd be stupid not to."
— Gregor Chisholm (@gregorMLB) September 24, 2017
"But other than that, I can't really control anything else. Time will tell and we'll see what happens." #BlueJays
— Gregor Chisholm (@gregorMLB) September 24, 2017
He also talked about his curtain call.
Bautista on doing a very rare curtain call: "I think the fans were expecting it and you have to give them what they want." #BlueJays
— Gregor Chisholm (@gregorMLB) September 24, 2017
It seems unlikely that Toronto would bring Bautista back next season, even if it were for the minimum. Perhaps some other team will take a chance on him being able to turn it around.
