The Perfect Blue Jays Fitted

 

Sometime around 2021 (I think), right after the lockdown I bought this Blue Jays fitted hat.  I remember thinking it was so perfect because it had almost everything I want in a New Era fitted hat: Blue Jays logo, grey under visor, wool material, regular MLB batterman logo, and a great hat shape.  Of course if I were picky I could also say it should have been made in USA, nevertheless it’s still a great hat for contemporary times.  Unfortunately I was only able to find two hats; despite searching the style code online and in other stores.  To this day though my favorite hat has been the New Era “Heritage Series Fitted Hat”, which I own only 1 hat of, so owning two of this version isn’t bad.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaYQDLDyEik

Toronto Blue Jays World Series New Era Fitted Hat

When you love a hat, you buy it as many times as you can.  The Blue Jays World Series patch is one of those hats that I need to own multiple times.  What’s funny is, I didn’t even know I owned this extra hat; but I just happened to find it in my collection one day and was pleasantly surprised.  While most people wouldn’t care that it’s an extra hat, for me it’s special because it’s slightly different from my other World Series patch hat because this one is wool.  I love wool hats because I find them more comfortable and their quality is best.  So if New Era releases this hat again in the future, you better believe that I will be buying it again.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Wl2SC7oeDY

New Era Retro Classic Collection Blue Jays

When it comes to material goods, when I see something that I love I tend to buy it in multiple versions because I’m always cautious that I might never see them again.  This time it’s a New Era retro fitted Blue Jays hat.  Unfortunately just after this release the New Era company announced that they were closing down their New York plant and moving all production to China (though a small number would be made in Miami).  This particular Blue Jays retro hat was made in the USA, so it’s of particular importance to me.

For some reason Made in USA hats are or rather were better quality than those made in China.  This hat is of no exception, it’s beautifully made.  The material is quality, the stitching is clean, and the fit is exact.  This is actually the second version that I’ve bought in this retro style; the first one was all blue, and this version the front is white.  While it’s sad to see New Era hats no longer made in USA, I hope they continue to make fitteds with this kind of quality.

Toronto Blue Jays:

www.bluejays.com

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LQydIYsZiA

New Era MLB Retro Classic Collection

New Era’s MLB Classic Collection is a throwback to their 90’s Pro Model fitteds.  These retro hats feature 100% wool material, a New Era tag, grey underbrim, white sweatband, flat embroidery, and are made in the USA.  This release has revitalized my interest in New Era fitteds after years of poorly made polyester hats.  I knew it was time to quit collecting on-field fitteds as soon as the MLB batter man was missing his hat, and occasionally the ball on the logo.  Thankfully New Era has corrected all their quality control issues and has made an immaculate product.  Every stitch is perfect, the crown is true the original, and the sizing is correct (past hats could be off by 3 sizes).

Please note that unlike their Heritage Wool series from a few years back the MLB Classic Collection doesn’t have 3D embroidery, the New Era logo on the side of the hat, or a black sweatband.  Admittedly these are more subjective preferences on a fitted that I’m personally indifferent about.  Although I do love seeing the return of the white sweatband, a feature that I used to hate but I have now grown to love.  Just seeing a brand new pristine white sweatband just makes it look so much better.  For now I have only purchased the Away blue, Blue Jays fitted but I do plan on getting the whole Jays collection eventually.

New Era:

https://www.neweracap.com

YouTube:

https://youtu.be/hW-TJnAGB0A

If I were a general manager…

If I were a general manager for a MLB team I would sign both José Bautista and Edwin Encarnación together.  It would be for a terrible team like the Minnesota Twins, or Chicago White Sox.  Not only do these teams have nothing to lose, but also have home run friendly ballparks.  While their contracts might be an issue at first, the amount of money they both would bring in from a winning team and attendance would more than make up for it.  And while age is an issue, the leadership (Alpha male) Bautista would inspire the younger guys, something a team like the White Sox could use with so many great prospects.

Josh Donaldson Blue Jays Bobblehead

The first time I heard Josh Donaldson was coming to the Blue Jays I was shocked and angry because we had traded Brett Lawrie to get him.  Lawrie wasn’t amazing, but he played with a lot of heart and was a fan favourite.  Funny enough, it only took a few games of watching Donaldson for me to forget about Lawrie, and think that the Jays had gotten away with a steal of a trade.  Donaldson wasn’t only better he was flawless at third base by not letting any ball get past him, and was one of the top hitters in the league.  By mid-summer if you went to a game, you were shouting MVP every time Donaldson went up to bat.

Thankfully the league recognized his greatness by awarding him the 2015 American League MVP award.  His stats were as followed: .297 average, 41 home runs, 123 RBI’s, and he led his team to become A.L. east division champions.  The significance of which was an end to a 22 year drought since the last time the Blue Jays had reached the playoffs; Josh Donaldson truly was the bringer of rain.

Donaldson’s first Blue Jays bobblehead was given out on April 24^th, 2016.  Although 20,000 were given away at Roger’s Centre, you could still purchase one a few days later at Pizza Nova locations.  I personally find the bobblehead pose boring, and would have preferred a more exciting and unique pose; but since it was celebrating Donaldson’s MVP award, I guess displaying the award plaque and silver bat required a more traditional pose.  Once you actually look at the bobblehead you will notice how many details are actually in it, and can really appreciate it.  Although it’s not the most interesting bobblehead, it’s still a great start for what I’m sure will be many to come from the Bringer of Rain with the Blue Jays.

Josh Donaldson Wiki:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Donaldson

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NthSg5j8dmc

Edwin Encarnación Blue Jays Bobblehead

During the 2012-13 offseason the Toronto Blue Jays had made major trades, and the city was excited with the possibilities of what the 2013 season could offer.  Unfortunately any hope of making the postseason soon dwindled as the team finished in last place of the American League East division.  Yet those major trades had breathed new life into Blue Jay fans as many people came back to baseball and started to cheer for the team.  Thankfully fans were treated by awesome stadium giveaway bobbleheads that year.

The first of three bobbleheads of that season was of Edwin Encarnacion, which was given out on April 21^st, 2013.  20,000 bobbleheads were given out to fans at Roger’s Centre, as the Jays also beat the Yankees 8 to 4.  Edwin is shown wearing the alternative 3^rd uniform, with a royal blue jersey and white pants.  This is one of my favourite bobblehead’s because of how accurate it captures Edwin’s face; almost cartoonish.  I also love how it comes with a bat accessory, which I wish more bobbleheads would do.  While the 2013 team didn’t live up to expectations that year, at least Edwing made it a winning season for bobbleheads.

Edwin Encarnación Wiki:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwin_Encarnaci%C3%B3n

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxNC3xPHdBA

Blue Jays 2016 Bobblehead Wishlist

Here’s my 2016 Blue Jays bobblehead stadium giveaway wish list.

1. José Bautista

2. Josh Donaldson

3. Troy Tulowitzki

4. Edwin Encarnación

5. Kevin Pillar

6. David Price

Blue Jays:

http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ad1W2aIZaIE

Marcus Stroman Bobblehead

On June 7^th, 2015 the Toronto Blue Jays gave away the first Marcus Stroman SGA bobblehead.  Unfortunately during spring training, Marcus sustained a leg injury (ACL) which caused him to miss most of the season.  This injury prevented him from being an active player for the release of his bobblehead.  Fortunately the determination and heart of Stroman pushed him to work his way back to the rotation and become a starter in September, HDMH.

This bobblehead is pretty much one of my favourites not only because Stroman is an inspiring figure, but because Stroman is displayed blowing a bubble.  This feature is truly unique, and the pink contrast matches well with the white and blue Jays uniform.  As bobbleheads are now collectable items and a multitude are released every year, I really appreciated it when unique features such as this are added to them and I hope to see more of this from the Jays in the future.

Marcus Stroman Wiki:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Stroman

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4p1u5ocBe0w

MLB Baseball: 3

Batting practice ball tossed by Marco Estrada (Blue Jays Pitcher, #25), and signed by Aaron Sanchez (Blue Jays Pitcher, #41).

Russell Martin Blue Jays Bobblehead

When Russell Martin first signed with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2014, I was upset.  I was upset because as a former New York Yankee, he had accused the Jays of stealing signs, and we were now making him a Blue Jay.  Like most fans, once I started to see the benefits of adding Martin to our team all that disappointment dwindled and I started to cheer for him.  I also came to realize that stealing signs was just a part of baseball that everyone did anyways (former Blue Jay catcher, Gregg Zaun admitted doing it).

Russell Martin’s Blue Jays bobblehead was given out on August 3^rd, 2015.  He was the third release for 2015, and 20,000 were given away.  While it is a nice bobblehead, I am unhappy with the lack of details included.  For example Martin wears a Rawlings chest protector with gold highlights, yet his bobblehead lacks this feature.  The bobblehead is still nice, but as a collector it does leave me wanting more details and contrasting poses.  A badass pose that would have kicked ass would have been one where Martin is throwing the ball to catch a runner stealing.

Gregg Zaun admits to stealing signs:

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/25259565/gregg-zaun-admits-to-stealing-signs-as-a-blue-jays-player

Russell Martin Wiki:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Martin

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2h_xmQZuhU

Blue Jays Replica Donaldson Jersey (SGA)

On Sunday, May 10^th, 2015 the Toronto Blue Jays gave away 20,000 replica Josh Donaldson jerseys.  I must admit at the beginning of the season I wasn’t overly excited about celebrating Donaldson as a Blue Jay.  I mean to get him we had to trade Brett Lawrie, one of my favourite players who brought a lot of heart and character to the team.  But then as the season started, Donaldson not only blew my mind in his abilities, but also had me wondering why we hadn’t traded Lawrie earlier for him, lol.

This SGA (stadium giveaway) jersey is now one of my favourite Blue Jays memorabilia that I own.  I’m proud to wear Donaldson’s name on my back, and I usually get compliments from people when I wear it.  While the quality of the material isn’t perfect, it still holds up to many rough outings.  In fact the stitching is just as good as a Majestic jersey.  Other than the lightweight material, this is a great jersey.  (On a side note: this jersey reminds me of a pajama top, maybe the Blue Jays should just call it a pajama and release it with pajama pants next time.  Ohhhh Blue Jays pajama uniforms, sweet)

Josh Donaldson Wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Donaldson

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIUdqOhkLDU

Jose Bautista Blue Jays Bobblehead 2015

Jose Bautista was the first SGA (stadium giveaway) bobblehead of the 2015 season.  20,000  were given away on Sunday, April 19th, 2015.  His bobblehead is also the 3^rd giveaway bobblehead that the Toronto Blue Jays have made of Bautista.  While that might seem like a lot, I’m actually happy that their most popular player is being honoured again.  While his first bobblehead was given out back in 2011, the Team has gained a lot more fans and followers since then and it’s only nice to have the fans also receive a Bautista keepsake (especially for those who missed out on the previous releases).

Since this is the 3^rd Bautista bobblehead, I thought it fitting that his pose be unique and different.  It certainly is because Jose is featured “muscle man” posing or rather “flexing”.  This is the same pose he does after he hits a home run, reaches home plate, and celebrates with a teammate (usually Encarnación).  I believe he started doing this back when Yunel Escobar was still a Blue Jay.  Jose is also featured in his road grey uniform.

Just based on the unique flexing pose, this is truly one of my favourite bobbleheads in my collection.  BDA Inc did an excellent job on this one, with lots of details and paint throughout the bobblehead.  With bobbleheads like this I will never get tired of having another SGA of Bautista.

José Bautista Wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_Bautista

Toronto Blue Jays Bobblehead Archive:

http://piper2381.blogspot.ca/2015/04/toronto-blue-jays-bobblehead-archive.html

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NK7RHJDbvSE