Bautista to be honoured on Blue Jays' Level of Excellence

Jose Bautista will become the next member of the Toronto Blue Jays Level of Excellence. His name and number will be added to the Level of Excellence in a ceremony on August 12, the Blue Jays announced on Sunday. Photo: Toronto Blue Jays/Twitter

March 5, 2023

Official Toronto Blue Jays News Release

José Bautista defined an era of Blue Jays baseball.

Now, his legacy will be forever enshrined in franchise history.

Announced as part of the 2023 Promotions & Events Schedule, Bautista will take his rightful place on the Blue Jays Level of Excellence during a special pregame ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 12, when the Blue Jays take on the Chicago Cubs (3:07 p.m. E.T.). In addition to the on-field celebrations, the first 15,000 fans entering Rogers Centre will receive a José Bautista Bat Flip Bobblehead.

Bautista was traded to the Blue Jays from the Pittsburgh Pirates on August 21, 2008. He became a household name in 2010 following a breakout season that earned him an MLB All-Star selection, along with three American League Player of the Week awards and two American League Player of the Month nods. That season, Bautista set the Blue Jays’ single-season home run record, finishing the year with an MLB-leading 54 home runs, a franchise record that still stands today.

His 288 home runs as a Blue Jay trail only Carlos Delgado for the most in club history. From 2010 to 2015, Bautista hit more home runs than any other player in the league, winning three Silver Slugger Awards (2010, 2011, 2014) and appearing in six straight MLB All-Star Games.

“I am deeply humbled and excited to join the Blue Jays Level of Excellence and be recognized among the distinguished names that circle Rogers Centre,” said José Bautista. “Canada holds a special place in my heart and will always be home for my family and me, and we can’t wait to celebrate this honour with my beloved Blue Jays fans – the best fans in baseball! See you all this summer.”

During his time in Toronto, Bautista became a Canadian baseball icon. His fan-favourite status was solidified during Game 5 of the 2015 ALDS against the Texas Rangers with a bat flip that shook the foundation of Rogers Centre and brought the entire country to its feet.

“José Bautista captured hearts and ignited a fan base as part of the team that brought Toronto back to the postseason for the first time in 22 years. His on-field achievements propelled the team to greatness, and he undoubtedly belongs on the Blue Jays Level of Excellence,” said Mark Shapiro, President & CEO, Toronto Blue Jays. “On behalf of the organization, we are proud to honour José and his remarkable career with Blue Jays fans in August.”

The Level of Excellence is an award bestowed by the club to recognize tremendous individual achievement. Displayed at Rogers Centre, Bautista joins a prestigious group of award recipients, including George Bell (April 9, 1996); Dave Stieb (April 9, 1996); Joe Carter (July 30, 1999); Cito Gaston (July 30, 1999); Tony Fernandez (September 23, 2001); Pat Gillick (August 7, 2002); Tom Cheek (August 29, 2004); Paul Beeston (April 4, 2008); Carlos Delgado (July 21, 2013); and Roy Halladay (March 29, 2018).