MLB History: Blue Jays, Mariners Make Expansion Picks
By David Hill
The MLB was set to expand once again, as the Seattle Mariners and the Toronto Blue Jays were added to the American League. On this day in 1976, the two teams held their expansion draft.
An expansion draft can be an exciting time in the MLB. While it is unlikely that those new teams will end up competing in the first year, the promise of a new franchise is always exciting. There are hopes that, within a couple of years, the team will be in contention, hopefully with some of the players taken in the expansion draft as key pieces.
On this day in 1976, the Seattle Mariners and the Toronto Blue Jays took the first steps to developing their rosters. A five round expansion draft was held, with each team set to select players from each of the other American League teams.
The Mariners had the first pick, selecting Kansas City Royals outfielder Ruppert Jones with the first pick. The Blue Jays followed up by taking Baltimore Orioles outfielder/shortstop Bob Bailor. Interestingly enough, in four of the first five rounds, the top picks were all members of the Royals. As they had won the American League West in 1976, that was likely to be expected.
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While none of the players selected in the draft were superstars, a few made an impact upon their new teams. Doug Ault, who was taken with the 32nd pick, became a folk hero in Toronto after hitting two homers on Opening Day. Diego Segui was the Opening Day starter for both the Mariners and the Seattle Pilots, as well as the only player to appear for both franchises. Jim Clancy and Ernie Whitt were long time Blue Jays, whose impact upon the record books can be felt to this day.
Perhaps fittingly, as he was the first overall selection, Jones was the Mariners representative in the All Star Game. He was also named to the Topps All Rookie squad. For the Blue Jays, Ron Fairly was an All Star, while Ault, Bailor, and Jerry Garvin were included on the All Rookie Team.
Both teams went through their growing pains. The Mariners finished the season with a 64-98 record, while the Blue Jays were even worse at 54-107. However, both teams were able to pick up pieces that would help them to success in the coming years. And, after all, every team needs to start somewhere.
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On this day in 1976, the MLB added two more teams to the American League. Both the Toronto Blue Jays and the Seattle Mariners had a roster, and hope for the future.