In The Cards: 1996 Medicine Hat Blue Jays

They were a head-scratching bunch, the 1996 Medicine Hat Blue Jays.

Their play left much to be desired, as was made evident by a dismal 22-50 record. Yet despite what unfolded on the diamond, the rookie-level squad saw their attendance double from the previous season as they welcomed 41,942 fans to Athletic Park for an up-close view of how not to play baseball.

Learn more about the team in our latest edition of In The Cards …

Making Waves

After starting his professional coaching career in Medicine Hat in 1996, Bruce Walton quickly rose through the ranks of the Toronto Blue Jays organization, serving as minor league pitching instructor, bullpen coach and pitching coach with the Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise.

A stint with the Iowa Cubs followed his departure from Toronto in 2013 and the Calgarian now finds himself working as a pitching coach in the Miami Marlins minor league system.

We caught up with Walton and picked his brain about Marlins prospects, coaching techniques, and the legendary Derek Jeter.

The Thrill of the Grass

If Major League Baseball ever wanted the ultimate advertisement for its product it could be found in this year’s edition of the postseason.

For those of us lucky enough to be watching it was truly a thrill.

Fans also may have noticed that the game has changed … and changed for the better.

Old school has given way to the new school and the unwritten rules are being rewritten.

Pitcher Perfect

He was a tireless workhorse who could wear out his coaches just as easily as he did opposing batters.

Two-time Cy Young award winner Roy Halladay – who died in a plane crash in the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday – made relentless preparation a hallmark of his all-star career, according to a former coach.