In The Cards: ’96 Medicine Hat Blue Jays

They weren’t very good.

And neither were the baseball cards they graced.

But there were some bright spots on the roster, nonetheless.

Let’s meet the 1996 Medicine Hat Blue Jays…

From the Diamond to the Gridiron

Baseball fans will be excused if they feel like trading in their cowhide for some pigskin this Super Bowl weekend.

With that in mind, here’s a look at three pieces of trivia involving times when Alberta baseball had links to the Super Bowl …

Hatching Jays and Building A Bridge to L.A.

The Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers bring championship pedigrees to their 2025 battle for a World Series title.

The Jays won Major League Baseball’s top prize in 1992 and 1993, while the Dodgers have eight championships, including one from their time in Brooklyn.

There was a time – in the 1980s and 1990s – when Pioneer Baseball League squads from Medicine Hat and Lethbridge contributed to the ultimate success of their parent clubs in Ontario and California.

The Pat in the Hat

Booted baseballs, hotel hijinks and rowdy road trips punctuated their pursuit of the pennant.

These were the star-studded Medicine Hat Blue Jays of 1982 and Pat Borders was right in the middle of it all.

Key Addition

One of the best pitchers to ever suit up for the Toronto Blue Jays and a player who got his start in professional baseball in Alberta has been selected for induction in the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

Lefty hurler Jimmy Key was one of six people named as part of the 2024 induction class recently, adding the honour to his list of achievements, which includes a pair of World Series rings and five Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star appearances.

OPINION: Five Famed Names for the Canadian Baseball Hall

“You have to know the past to understand the present.”

As we continue to beam about the state of baseball in Alberta, it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate our past.

It’s time for the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame to consider some of the builders who helped bring the Pioneer League and Pacific Coast League to Alberta.

Hyers Learning

In order to claim a World Series championship, you have to make the right hires.

For the Texas Rangers – who coaxed manager Bruce Bochy out of retirement with impressive results – that included luring Tim Hyers to the Major League Baseball (MLB) organization.

Diamonds in the Rough

They were the first official affiliate established for the new Arizona Diamondbacks.

A full two years before the Major League Baseball squad took to the field, the Lethbridge Black Diamonds were expected to be a powerhouse in their inaugural season of 1996.

We take a look back at the successful three-year history of the team, which took numerous twists and turns off the field.

Bluebirds of a Feather

Duane Larson wanted to play an aggressive style of baseball.

Heading into the 1982 Pioneer League season, the Medicine Hat Blue Jays coach had high expectations.

His team, featuring a trio of future Toronto stars, delivered in a big way, winning the team’s only championship title.

Key to the Game

Jimmy Key put up some fantastic numbers in his short visit with the Medicine Hat Blue Jays in 1982.

A 2-1 record with a 2.30 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 31+ innings of work earned the young lefthander a promotion.

However, the move didn’t sit well with everyone, even if the team went on to win the Pioneer League championship.