The Franchise: Toronto Blue Jays—A Curated History of the Jays

by Keegan Matheson

In The Franchise: Toronto Blue Jays, take a more profound and unique journey into the history of Canada's team.

This thoughtful and engaging collection of essays captures the astute fans’ history of the franchise, going beyond well-worn narratives of yesteryear to uncover the less-discussed moments, decisions, people, and settings that fostered the Blue Jays' distinctive identity.

Through wheeling and dealing, mythmaking and community building, explore where the organization has been, how it came to prominence in the modern major league landscape, and how it will continue to evolve and stay in contention for generations to come.

Jays fans in the know will enjoy this personal, local, in-depth look at baseball history.

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction, Baseball, Canada, History

256 pages, Hardcover

Published June 3, 2025

Reviews

[Breanna]

A little bit of study material before our trip, and I learned so much in a pretty engaging, entertaining way. I first paid attention to the Jays in 2015, but everything before that was totally unknown to me. It was very neat to learn the names and the history of some of the greats who spent time in Toronto. And it was so fun to revisit the glory days of 2015. Ending on a chapter focused on Buck was perfection.

[Will Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful read for both the die hard and casual Jays fan. It was great to relive some of my favourite Jays moments through Keegan’s storytelling and interviews with players. Highly recommend for any Jays fan.

[Tim Liebregt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great look at the Blue Jays - not a complete, chronological history, but a collection of snapshots. But I think that's a more effective way of telling this story.

You also really sense the respect Matheson has for broadcasters and other members of the media, especially in the closing chapter on Buck Martinez.

[Lillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Interesting read. I would love to see a part two that includes the 2025 World Series run - and a full chapter on Hazel.

A wrap up conclusion would have been nice too - about where the Jays are going, what the future holds, end on the chapter about Buck was okay - but if felt like it just kind of ended.

Would recommend to any Jays fan, new or old.

[taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

[5.0]

im keegs #1 fan

[Robbie Goldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was a fun read. I’d imagine the majority of people checking it out are already going to be die hard fans of the team so the expectation is that the book brings in a lot of new, not already available info and it certainly delivers. The chapter on the Ohtani pursuit really stands out - I loved/hated the skeleton draft article Keegan included here. There were definitely chapters that I could’ve done without based on the lack of additional information, but I can see why Keegan included them if wanting to touch on 50 years of history. Finally, my favourite part would’ve been the portion on the fan base and the quotes Keegan was able to get from players on their experiences in Toronto. Interesting to see what they get up to off the field!

Keegan is a great follow on Twitter so would strongly recommend you check out his content there.

[feller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t read books… like ever… but knowing Keegan from being the MLB.com guy that writes about the Jays and lately as one of my favourite guests on Gate 14, I was excited to read this. As a younger jays fan and not knowing much about the pre-2010s history, this book gave a captivating overview of it and personal touch from some of the stars as well. Along with the stories from the 2015-16 guys and parts on Buck and Dan, I really enjoyed this read.

Excited to take a shot at Alison Gordon’s Foul Balls next!

[Claire Lipton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for jays fans, whether you have been following for the past few years, since 15-16, or long before. This book is a beautiful collection of stories focusing on the key moments, players, managers, buildings (fun fact! the inspiration for the architecture of the skydome and it’s retractable roof was drawn from a lobster’s tail!), and broadcasters that have shaped this team from conception to today.

Keegan is able to capture the personality of several quintessential jays, such as Delgado , Stieb, Gibby, and Buck through expert storytelling mixed with his talent for analytics and reporting.

Here’s hoping that the 2025 season will be added in addendum as another moment in jays history 🤞🤞

[Robaca · Rating 4 out of 5]

hard to rate a book like this, a collection of stories pulled together by an incredible skilled blue jays writer. somewhat repetitive, but that’s how it goes when you’re reliving the glory days. keegan is a very talented writer who almost always nails the little wrap up concluding each story. i enjoyed reading this as a younger fan without as much knowledge of the team. also buck needs to be in the level of excellence like YESTERDAY!!

[etta · Rating 5 out of 5]

really really fun read! there were a couple chapters where it was a bit hard for me to follow the connection being drawn, but this was generally so easy to read otherwise that i would still highly recommend it.

[mehreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS TEAMMMMMMMMM 💙⚾️
toronto sports girlie till i die
“the 2025 toronto blue jays mattered. a country fell in love with a ballclub again, full of hope and wonder.” this quote isn’t from this book—it’s from keegan’s article post game 7 loss, and to me, it sums up this team perfectly. i could read an entire part 2 on the 2025 season - this october was one of the most memorable months, and i will remember it forever. this group is everything to me.
i wish there was a wrap up chapter at the end, but ending with buck martinez is in no way wrong either.

[kayla mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

this told the story of everything blue jays. it was great

[kayla ☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was so good. it told the story of all things blue jays

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a BlueJays fan since day number one, this has been one of my favourite books ever! The author takes the reader back to the beginning of the organization. The good times are highlighted with genuine appreciation of the only baseball team in Canada. The memories for the younger generation are written so beautifully. I just can’t say enough great things about this wonderful book! Bravo!!!

[Benjamin Kahn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I quit reading this book partway through Carlos Delgado. I admit, I wasn't sure if I was up for a book on the Blue Jays - I know the stories and the history already, but sometimes you can still enjoy a book despite that. The first section was interesting enough - I didn't know that Exhibition Stadium was curved in the middle so that you couldn't see the outfielders completely from home plate. So I learned some things.

There was a focus on the last couple of years, which was to the book's detriment because it was published at the start of the 2025 season, just before the run to the World Series where the Jays finished just short of a victory. Every book is a snapshot in time, but this felt particularly so in light of the recently completed season. This felt more like a black-and-white, sepia-tinted photograph due to the team's recent achievements.

I started to lose interest in the chapter about the pursuit of Shohei Ohtani. The Jays didn't sign him, so spending a whole chapter on the fact that they tried to sign him and it didn't work out seemed excessive. Especially since the next year, they went hard after Juan Soto and also didn't get him. Would that have warranted its own chapter as well if it had been written a few months later? And including Matheson's never-published article that was written in case the Jays had signed Ohtani feels very self-indulgent.

So that annoyed me. Then he did a few profiles of various Jays. Dave Steib, Cito Gaston, Joe Carter, Carlos Delgado ... As I said, I stopped at Delgado, so I don't know who else he covered. I know all about these people, and Matheson gave me no new or interesting into them. When he went into the statistical case for Delgado as a hall-of-famer, I realized that I was no longer enjoying the book nor did I have any desire to continue reading it, so I cut bait.

Until this year I hadn't heard of Keegan Matheson, and I think I mostly know his name because my wife follows Hazel Mae on social media - maybe Instagram - and Hazel Mae has mentioned him and his book. Based on reading this book, I don't think I'm going to go to the trouble to see out his writings in the future.

Maybe an interesting read for the uninitiated? Otherwise, I think you can safely skip this book.

[Teena in Toronto · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're a Blue Jays fan, you should check this book out. Instead of walking through every season, Matheson picks out the best, wildest and most emotional moments from nearly 50 years of Jays history.

For example, such as the Jays' dramatic and super-secret attempt to sign Shohei Ohtani in 2023. They rolled out the red carpet with custom lockers, team gear and even a special dog jacket for his dog. But in the end, Ohtani signed with the Dodgers.

The chapters include:
* Origin Stories
* Only in Toronto
* Faces of the Blue Jays (such as Dave Stieb, Cito Gaston, Joe Carter, Carlos Delgado John Gibbons, etc.)
* Stories of the Seasons
* The Glory Years
* The Storytellers (such as Tom and Jerry, Dan Shulman and Buck Martinez)

The book isn’t just about blockbuster deals. Matheson also dives into quirky and heartfelt moments ... like players trying to stay warm at freezing Exhibition Stadium with soup and the emotional return to Rogers Centre after nearly two years away during the pandemic.

I liked the writing style. It was as detailed as I needed it to be. Because Matheson covers the team for MLB.com, he brings a unique insider vibe so can share personal stories, player memories and little moments that most fans never hear about. What would have made the book even better is if there had been photographs. As a heads up, there is a swearing (some baseball people surprisingly have potty mouths ... ha!).

Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2025/06...

[Jacob London · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love to the Toronto Bluejays, which means that I really enjoyed this book! Learning more about the history of my beloved ballclub is always a good time. I you love the Jays you should read this book. Now, the author calls this a 'Curated History' but it's more like an 'anecdotal history'. It's obvious the book is written by a reporter and not author. The chapters have more quotes than history with only scant details about their careers. It honestly reads like a collection of articles about big moments in Jays history. Look, I'm here for it, but don't expect more than that. Anyways, Go Jays!

[Linnaea Krupke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me a sec because I was minding (lovely, but bratty) children all day, every day. It’s so interesting to read books like this where it’s evident just how much the author LOVES the subject matter and - here’s the rare part - where the subject matter loves them back.

The ability to talk directly about the greatest Blue Jays’ character brings this book credibility and intrigue, making you feel like you know them too.

[Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

It comes at a great time as we see a great Jays team (that nearly won it all) that this book is available to fans. It’s enjoyable and nostalgic, but in the way that’s somewhat sanitized and ready for public release. I was hoping for more behind the scenes dirt if I’m being honest and that’s not to be found here.

[Lauren Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, and not just because I love the Blue Jays. Keegan writes with a combination of deep ball knowledge and self deprecating humour. The essay format is highly digestible. Let’s go Blue Jays!!

[Michael]

My conversation with Matheson discussing the book here:
https://umfm.com/programming/broadcas...

[Kristina Maye · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was so much he still could cover, but it was nice hearing names from the start and how it began.

I would have to say the last chapter was my favorite about Buck.

[Jay Kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read about my favorite baseball team.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounding up because this book is one of a kind - a focus on the little brother of the MLB. The structure is a bit wonky to me, but the story-telling and access Keegan has is 5/5.

[Keith Mantesso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for any Jays fan!

[Mark Sheldrake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. A lot of great childhood memories from the days I went to Exhibition Stadium with my dad

[Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light reading. Nice book for the off season.

[Michael Lamanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book for Bluejays fans or baseball fans in general. Easy read with lots of fun stories and rich history

[Fionnán Johnson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Considering how much of an open goal this subject matter should be, this is probably the worst book I have ever read. An embarrassing effort.

[Mike Commito · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keegan Matheson hit a home run with this book. You’ll learn a lot from this curated history of the Blue Jays, but most importantly, it will remind you why you fell in love with the team in the first place.