Matt and Co. show Jays ‘Stairs to Success’

They put on their “Blue Collar” uniforms, pack their “lunch buckets” and show up every game ready to play. When it’s all over, they “leave it all on the field” and, more often than not, give the fans more than their money’s worth. I’m referring in particular to Matt Stairs, John MacDonald, Reed Johnson and Greg Zaun, who arrive every day for work like a breath of fresh Maritime air.

They are all not the most skillful of the Toronto Blue Jay players, but they are all consummate pros who do all the little things that it takes to win. Signed mainly as a role player, Matt Stairs has been making it difficult for manager John Gibbons to keep him out of the lineup. He has been contributing with both bat and glove and running the bases like a youngster. Thus, whether he’s keeping spirits up in the clubhouse and on the bench with his dry, subtle humor or moving runners over when he’s not hitting home runs, Matt has been a motivator and an inspiration to his teammates.

Quiet and unassuming, John MacDonald continues to amaze fans and teammates alike with his unbelievable glove work, timely hits, bunts, and the occasional stolen base, all of which have endeared him to the Jays’ pitching staff and fans.

Reed Johnson, the “Ignitor” from day one, returned after a three-month absence and, without missing a beat, continued to spark the club. A throwback to the old-time ballplayer, this ultimate teammate regularly sacrifices his body and bat for the sake of the team.

Greg Zaun “straps on” every ounce of potential every game and then leaves it all on the field. Whether it be guiding his pitcher through a difficult at-bat or blocking the plate from a would-be scorer, this veteran doesn’t give an inch. Others could take a page from his book of Guts and Grit.

These men are worth the price of admission and are a joy to watch. They’ve put play and fun back into the game. They may not lead the Jays to the postseason, but if teammates observe and emulate these “Blue Collar Workers,” then the Jays may continue to climb the “Stairs of Success.”

Forever grateful and blessed to be part of all this,

Paul Eagan

Ballantrae, Ontario

Blue Jays grounds crew