Former Blue Jay Josh Donaldson on Jays fans, fatherhood and more – CityNews Toronto

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In 2015, Bruno Mars had the # 1 song with ‘Uptown Funk’, Star Wars: The Force Awakens episode VII broke box office records and Josh Donaldson was making his own records with the Toronto Blue Jays, winning the League MVP. American, Silver Slugger. and Hank Aaron Award.

The awards were the peak in the third baseman’s career in what was a wild season for the Blue Jays. Three years later, Toronto sent Donaldson to Cleveland, and in 2021 the man known as ‘The Rain Bringer’ is now in the second year of a four-year contract with the Minnesota Twins.

Donaldson returned to Rogers Center this weekend for the third time since trading for a series against his former club. Lindsay Dunn caught up with the slugger before Friday’s opening pitch.

Note: This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Lindsay Dunn (RHP): Josh, welcome back to Rogers Center, it’s been a moment, but when you walk into the stadium, is it a moment where you’re awash with memories, or is it just another day, another ball diamond?

Josh Donaldson (JD): There are definitely a lot of good memories here. I think wherever you go, you generate some kind of reliving those moments to some extent.

LD: You have had many memorable dinners here. I remember being in the stands and hearing the home run horn honking multiple times. One thing that has changed since you played here is the fact that there is a home run jacket that the Blue Jays wear. What do you think of the jacket?

JD: Oh yeah, I’ve seen your jacket. We had something similar to that with the gown last year (in Minnesota), and then MLB told us we couldn’t wear it anymore because they couldn’t sell it. So I’m a little surprised how they’re still getting away with it, but it’s good for them at the same time.

LD: When you think about your home runs, does one always stand out a little bit more to you?

JD: Oh sure, the most memorable home run for me, I think in 2015, the end-of-the-year walk, has to be one of my all-time favorites.

LD: It’s been a few years since you’ve played here, but you have such a devoted Jays fanbase that they just adore you and keep traveling to see you play. What do you think these fans have that connected you so much with them?

JD: Sincerely I dont know. I mean, it was pretty special. I mean, from day one after I was moved here, the Blue Jays fans accepted me right away. I guess they really appreciated my personality, how I played, etc. But, you know, with that being said, there were a lot of times here where we’ve played really well and we probably gave them a lot of memories too. So maybe they want to come and, you know, they still show appreciation, which is good.

LD: Many things have changed for you since you have also been here. You have become a dad. What is one thing you have learned about yourself and parenting?

JD: Patience, patience (laughs). I think what is always growing for me is to continue to be patient and to be able to love someone as much as I love my daughter is a very special feeling.

LD: Another thing that seems quite special is that he is opening his own developmental academy near where he went to high school.

JD: We don’t have it open yet, we are still working on it. But, it’s just something I wanted to do at home to give the kids around or around the area I grew up in a real chance to be successful. You know, there will be a lot of shows that we’ll be involved in, it’s just not baseball. We really want to open doors and provide avenues for the children of our area to truly succeed.

LD: For old times, can you do me a favor and give me a roof report?

JD: Yes! I mean, today it seems like it’s open (laughs)



Reference-toronto.citynews.ca

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