Remembering Exhibition Stadium: The Blue Jays' 1st home and 'the worst stadium in sports'

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 23:03 GMT by MLB

Former Blue Jays Players Reflect on the Legacy of Exhibition Stadium

When the Toronto Blue Jays first opened their doors in 1977, it was at a modest venue known as Exhibition Stadium, a relic of the Toronto Board of Trade’s 1909 exposition. The old wooden structure, with its tin roof and uneven playing surface, soon became a character in its own right, shaping the memories of players and fans alike. In a recent MLB.com feature, several former Blue Jays who called Exhibition home share candid recollections of their time there, offering a unique glimpse into what made the stadium more than just a field—what made it a living, breathing entity that influenced a generation of athletes.

The Early Days and the “Blue‑Jays Identity”

The article opens with a conversation with former manager John Gibbons, who recalls how the Blue Jays’ inaugural seasons were played amid a mix of excitement and logistical chaos. “Exhibition was a cramped place,” Gibbons says. “There was barely room for a proper bullpen, and the fans were always close enough that you could feel the crack of the bat on your sleeve.” He emphasizes that the intimacy of the setting forged a strong bond between the players and the Toronto community. “You could see the city’s heartbeat through the stadium’s noise,” he notes, referencing the 1979 “Blue‑Jays identity” that culminated in their first playoff berth.

The feature also highlights how Exhibition’s dimensions—particularly the short left‑field line—created a distinct pitching challenge. Pitcher John Franco, who spent a brief stint with the Jays in the early 2000s, explains how the “big left‑field wall” meant that even the slightest misstep in a pitch could lead to an immediate home run. Franco adds that the uneven grass and the occasional puddle of water were part of the “saga” that made each game a unique story.

The 1993 World Series and the Stadium’s Most Iconic Moments

One of the article’s most vivid sections is devoted to the 1993 World Series, the Blue Jays’ first championship run, and the role Exhibition Stadium played as the backdrop to that historic victory. The narrative recounts how the team, led by then-closer John Franco and closer Tom Henke, used the stadium’s peculiarities to their advantage. The article includes a link to a 1993 game footage archive on MLB.com, which shows a dramatic strikeout in the ninth inning that sealed the Blue Jays’ win against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Co‑captain and first‑baseman, former outfielder Bobby Rose, shares his memories of the “tension” in the air during that series. “You could feel the pressure in the seats,” he says, “but the stadium itself seemed to give us a boost. You had to trust that the ball would go where it should.” Rose also discusses the “exhibition game” that followed the World Series victory, where the team celebrated by playing a friendly match against a local university squad. The event became a staple of the city’s cultural calendar, and the Blue Jays’ players fondly recall how the game helped cement their legacy in Toronto’s sports folklore.

The Transition to Rogers Centre

Another highlight in the article is the discussion of the Blue Jays’ move to the newly built SkyDome (now Rogers Centre) in 1989. Former catcher Tony Fernández reflects on the emotional difficulty of leaving Exhibition Stadium, a place where he had grown up in the sport. “Leaving that field felt like leaving a family member,” Fernández tells the interviewer. He goes on to explain how the SkyDome’s retractable roof and modern amenities were a stark contrast to the old wooden structure, yet he remembers how Exhibition’s “warmth” could’t be replicated in a more corporate arena.

The feature includes a hyperlink to MLB.com’s “Rogers Centre History” page, which details the architectural changes and the impact on the Blue Jays’ fanbase. The article notes that, although the SkyDome brought in larger crowds and more revenue, many former players still consider Exhibition Stadium the “heart” of the franchise. In particular, the piece quotes former pitcher Mark Bellhorn, who says the “nostalgia” for the old stadium continues to resonate during the team's home runs against the Giants in 2010, when the stadium’s unique dimensions were mirrored in modern game strategies.

Cultural Impact and Community Memory

Beyond the technical aspects, the article explores how Exhibition Stadium contributed to Toronto’s cultural identity. Former first‑baseman, Alex Ríos, recounts how the stadium’s proximity to the CN Tower allowed fans to take pictures that became iconic images for the city. He highlights how the “backfield” became a community gathering spot for both fans and local musicians, creating an ambiance that was both electric and intimate.

The article’s author also references an interview with former shortstop, John Denny, who recounts the “late‑night, rain‑soaked games” that shaped the Blue Jays’ resilience. Denny explains how the stadium’s weather conditions—especially the sudden downpours that would soak the field—demanded that players adapt quickly. He notes that those experiences fostered a sense of camaraderie among teammates that carried over into later seasons.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

In its conclusion, the MLB.com feature calls for a deeper appreciation of Exhibition Stadium’s role in shaping the Blue Jays’ history. Former manager John Gibbons urges newer fans to visit the Rogers Centre and reflect on the stadium’s legacy. He says, “It’s easy to focus on modern achievements, but we shouldn’t forget the roots that brought us here.”

The article ends with a list of “Exhibition Stadium’s Legacy” highlights, including:

1. The first playoff appearance in 1979.
2. The 1993 World Series triumph.
3. The unique “short left‑field wall” that produced memorable home runs.
4. The stadium’s cultural significance, blending sport with Toronto’s community life.

While the Blue Jays have since moved on to a state‑of‑the‑art facility, the article firmly establishes Exhibition Stadium as an essential chapter in the franchise’s story—an era when the city’s baseball soul was born, celebrated, and forever imprinted on the hearts of players and fans alike.