Diamond Dreams: 20 Years of Blue Jays Baseball

Ian A. Andrews is a high-school social sciences teacher and editor of the New Brunswick Teachers’ Association’s Focus.

The Toronto Blue Jays franchise has been a success story in its two
decades of existence. In this book, sports journalist Stephen Brunt
traces the history of the still-youthful Jays, from their inauspicious
beginnings in the snow at Exhibition Stadium, to their triumphs against
the Braves and Phillies, to their recent lack of achievement on the
field.

Brunt’s narrative is replete with personalities. Foremost among them
are front-room leaders Pat Gillick and Paul Beeston. The author credits
these astute businessmen with transforming a mediocre team into a
world-class franchise.

Although there is some discussion of individual players and their
accomplishments, it is the Blue Jays organization that is analyzed in
detail. The franchise developed a reputation for treating its players
fairly. Long-range planning strategies and the low-key field leadership
of Cito Gaston have engendered a feeling of security among the players.

This well-written and easy-to-read book provides readers with a good
understanding of why Gillick and Beeston are held in such high esteem by
the baseball establishment.