Blue Jays’ Past Performance in the ALCS: A Historical Overview

Bassyonni

ago 2 hours

The Toronto Blue Jays are set to make their return to the American League Championship Series (ALCS) this Sunday, marking their first appearance in this playoff tier since 2016. With eleven post-season appearances in their history, the team will compete against the Seattle Mariners, who recently defeated the Detroit Tigers.

Blue Jays’ Past Performance in the ALCS

Throughout their franchise’s history, the Blue Jays have reached the ALCS on seven separate occasions: 1985, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993, 2015, and 2016.

1985 ALCS: A Historic Debut

Regular Season Wins: 99
Opponent: Kansas City Royals
ALCS Outcome: Lost in 7 games
Significance: First post-season appearance for the Blue Jays

The Blue Jays celebrated their inaugural playoff run in 1985 after a stellar regular season, ultimately falling short against the Royals.

1989 ALCS: Another Tough Series

Regular Season Wins: 89
Opponent: Oakland Athletics
ALCS Outcome: Lost in 4 games

In 1989, the Blue Jays returned to the ALCS but only managed to secure one victory against the A’s.

1991 ALCS: Losing to the Twins

Regular Season Wins: 91
Opponent: Minnesota Twins
ALCS Outcome: Lost in 7 games

Two years later, the Jays won their third division title but fell again in the ALCS, this time to the Championship-winning Twins.

Back-to-Back Championships: 1992 and 1993

1992 Regular Season Wins: 96
1993 Regular Season Wins: 95
1992 ALCS Outcome: Won against Atlanta Braves
1993 ALCS Outcome: Won against Chicago White Sox

The pinnacle of success came in the early ’90s, with the Blue Jays claiming consecutive World Series titles in 1992 and 1993.

2015 and 2016 ALCS: Near Misses

2015 Regular Season Wins: 93
2016 Regular Season Wins: 89
2015 ALCS Outcome: Lost to Kansas City Royals
2016 ALCS Outcome: Lost to Cleveland Indians

After a long absence, the team returned to the playoffs in 2015, only to be defeated in the ALCS by the Royals once again. The following year, they reached the ALCS but lost to the Indians.

As the Blue Jays prepare for another chance at the ALCS, their past performances weigh heavily on the players and fans alike. The excitement surrounding their return hints at potential for a historical run in the 2025 playoffs.