The Blue Jays have reached the post-season 11 times in their almost 50-year history, including this year. Starting this Sunday, they will compete in the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Seattle Mariners, who eliminated the Detroit Tigers in the previous round. Toronto advanced to the ALCS by defeating the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series (ALDS).
Throughout their history, the Blue Jays have made it to the ALCS seven times before, in the years 1985, 1989, 1991-1993, 2015, and 2016. In 1985, the Blue Jays had a remarkable season, winning 99 games and making their first post-season appearance. Despite their strong performance, they were defeated by the Kansas City Royals in the ALCS, who went on to win the World Series.
In 1989, the Blue Jays won 89 games but only secured one victory in the ALCS against the Oakland Athletics, who eventually swept the San Francisco Giants in the World Series. In 1991, with 91 wins, Toronto fell short in the ALCS against the Minnesota Twins, who claimed the World Series title.
The most memorable years for the Blue Jays were 1992 and 1993 when they won back-to-back World Series championships. In 1992, they won 96 games and defeated the Oakland Athletics in the ALCS before winning the World Series against the Atlanta Braves. The following year, the Blue Jays won 95 games and clinched another World Series title by beating the Philadelphia Phillies.
After a long drought, the Blue Jays returned to the post-season in 2015 under the leadership of José Bautista. Despite winning 93 games and the division title, they were defeated by the Kansas City Royals in the ALCS. In 2016, Toronto won 89 games, won a wildcard game, and swept the Texas Rangers in the ALDS but lost to Cleveland in the ALCS.
The Blue Jays have a rich history in the ALCS, with past successes and disappointments, and are now gearing up for another shot at the championship.