Former big league slugger José Bautista has retired with the Toronto Blue Jays, signing a one-day contract with the team. His retirement comes just one day before his name is set to be added to the team’s level of excellence. Bautista, now 42 years old, played for eight teams over 15 seasons in the majors, with his final appearance in 2018 with the Philadelphia Phillies. Throughout his career, he recorded a batting average of .247, hitting 344 home runs and 975 RBIs in 1,798 games.
While Bautista had unofficially retired, signing the one-day contract with the Blue Jays makes it official. The Pittsburgh Pirates’ 20th round pick in the 2000 amateur draft, Bautista made his MLB debut in 2004 and played for four teams in one season. He was eventually traded to the Blue Jays in 2008, where he truly made his mark. Bautista became one of the game’s most feared sluggers during his time in Toronto. He hit 288 home runs over 10 seasons, including a league-leading 54 in 2010 and 43 in 2011.
Bautista is perhaps best known for his memorable bat flip after hitting a tie-breaking three-run homer during the seventh inning of Toronto’s clinching victory over the Texas Rangers in Game 5 of the 2015 AL Division Series. To commemorate this iconic moment, a Bautista bobblehead depicting the bat flip will be given to fans entering Rogers Centre on Saturday.
Mark Shapiro, the team president, expressed his belief that Bautista is truly deserving of retiring as a Blue Jay. Bautista credited former Toronto manager Cito Gaston and hitting coach Dwayne Murphy for playing integral roles in helping him become a power threat. He recognizes the impact they had on his career and is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the organization.
Saturday’s ceremony to honor Bautista’s retirement will feature several notable attendees, including former Toronto teammate and current Chicago Cubs pitcher Marcus Stroman, as well as sluggers Edwin Encarnación and Justin Smoak, and left-hander Ricky Romero.
It is clear that Bautista has left an indelible mark on the Toronto Blue Jays and their fans. His impressive career, highlighted by numerous accomplishments and iconic moments, solidifies his place in the team’s level of excellence. As fans celebrate his retirement and his contributions to the sport, Bautista’s legacy will forever be tied to the Blue Jays.
