Thomas F. Cheek was an American sports commentator who is best remembered as the play-by-play radio announcer for the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball (MLB), from the team's establishment in 1977 until his retirement in 2004. During that time, he covered a 27-year streak of 4,306 consecutive games plus 41 post-season games—from the first Blue Jays game on April 7, 1977, until June 3, 2004. He was inducted to the Blue Jays Level of Excellence in 2004.
Toronto Blue Jays fans wearing jerseys honouring Tom Cheek and Jerry Howarth in 2013
The Toronto Blue Jays are a Canadian professional baseball team based in Toronto. The Blue Jays compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) East Division. Since 1989, the team has played its home games primarily at Rogers Centre in downtown Toronto.
The Blue Jays' second game in its inaugural season. Unlike the first game played in a snow storm, this day was bright and sunny with the temperature well below freezing.
Dave Stieb has the second highest number of wins among pitchers in the 1980s.
Left fielder George Bell was named the American League MVP in 1987.
Cito Gaston was named Blue Jays' manager during the 1989 season.