Prince Edward Island — As the Toronto Blue Jays edge closer to their first playoff series victory in nearly a decade, one of the team’s original architects is watching proudly from afar.
Don McDougall, a founding director who helped bring Major League Baseball to Toronto in the 1970s, says the team’s current success feels both nostalgic and thrilling.
“It’s quite thrilling and I must say, like everyone else, I’m filled with hope,” McDougall said in an interview with CBC’s Island Morning.
The Blue Jays lead the New York Yankees 2–0 in the best-of-five American League Division Series. A win in Game 3, set for Tuesday night, would propel them into the American League Championship Series (ALCS).
A Visionary Behind Canada’s Team
Born and raised in Prince Edward Island, McDougall was instrumental in securing Toronto’s MLB franchise in 1976, leading the negotiations as part of the Labatt organization. The team played its first game the following year.
“We were focused on getting Major League Baseball for Toronto,” McDougall recalled. “We got caught up in it and were very successful in putting together a good leadership team.”
At the time, the Blue Jays franchise cost $7 million, and the total player payroll stood at just $750,000. Today, the team is worth an estimated $2.1 billion, according to Fortune Magazine.
McDougall, who later became president of Labatt and now owns Mill River Resort in P.E.I., was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2023 for his visionary leadership, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy.
From 1980s Glory to New Hope
Reflecting on decades of baseball, McDougall said the current team reminds him of the Blue Jays’ golden era between 1985 and 1995, when Toronto dominated the league and captured back-to-back World Series titles in 1992 and 1993.
He recently shared memories with Buck Martinez, the former Blue Jays manager and current colour commentator.
“Buck said they’ve got a good solid foundation, and these young new players are solid too,” McDougall said. “I took considerable encouragement from that, not expecting to end up where we are right now.”
If Toronto advances, they will face either the Seattle Mariners or Detroit Tigers in the ALCS. A World Series appearance would mark the team’s first since their championship runs more than 30 years ago.
“Of course this year it’s been so exciting to follow it,” McDougall said, smiling. “There are young players becoming heroes of the day — that’s the magic of baseball.”
