Back in November 2014, something huge happened in the world of baseball. The Toronto Blue Jays made a bold move by trading for Josh Donaldson, a third baseman everyone thought was off-limits. They gave up Brett Lawrie, Kendall Graveman, Sean Nolin, and Franklin Barreto to get him from the Oakland Athletics. This deal was a game-changer, thanks to the gutsy decision-making of Alex Anthopoulos, the team’s general manager at the time.
Josh Donaldson, also known as the “Bringer of Rain,” truly lived up to his nickname. He brought his A-game to Toronto, turning the team’s luck around. Before you knew it, the Blue Jays went from being the underdogs to serious contenders. In the 2015 season, Donaldson hit an impressive .297, knocked 41 homers, and led the league with 123 RBIs. His performance was so outstanding that he bagged the AL Most Valuable Player award. He wasn’t just a player; he became a Canadian hero.
During a chat on Sportsnet 590 The FAN’s Blair and Barker show, Donaldson shared, “We all had one goal in mind, and we knew we were good. It felt great knowing that other teams were relieved when we left town. That’s one of the best compliments we could get.” Alongside stars like Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion, he pushed the Blue Jays into the playoffs for the first time since their 1992 and 1993 World Series wins. They even clinched the AL East title with a record of 93-69.
The most unforgettable moment came during the ALDS against the Texas Rangers. In the decisive Game 5, the Blue Jays sealed their victory, and it included the famous “Bat Flip” moment that everyone still talks about. The energy in the city was electric—everyone was rallying behind the Blue Jays.
Donaldson fondly remembered, “Knowing that we had beaten teams mentally before the game even started was thrilling. There was a real sense of brotherhood among us.”
Though they didn’t win the World Series, falling to the Kansas City Royals in the ALCS, 2015 was definitely not a loss for the Blue Jays. It was the beginning of a new, exciting chapter, proving they were back in the game.
Let’s chat about it! What’s your favorite moment from the 2015 Blue Jays season? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts!