The Toronto Blue Jays have had four primary logo changes in their 35-year history. The original logo lasted for the team’s first twenty seasons and then was updated by the logo that was dwarfed by the red maple leaf. Seven years later, in 2004, the Jays removed the word “Blue” from their logo, as well as the maple leaf and the colour red, from their uniforms in favour of a sleeker bird with silver and black.
I’ve always favoured the original logo. Although I didn’t mind the blue, black and silver one, the first red, white and blue team logo speaks Toronto Blue Jays to me. It was the one the players wore when the team experienced both playoff and World Series success. I, along with many people across Canada, have fond childhood memories of the Blue Jays not only winning, but contending with the original logo on the uniform, and that nostalgia is something I am not willing to let go of.
So when I heard the team was going to change the logo again, I was hoping they would bring back the original as the primary logo. A couple of weeks ago, the new logo, which is a modified update of the original one, was unveiled. Although I was happy to see the original red, white and blue colours back in the logo and uniform, part of me was disappointed there was not a complete return to the original logo. I love the look of the new jerseys, but I believe the original team logo would look better where the new one is currently.
I feel a little ripped off. I like this new logo, but at the same time I feel like I’m getting only 70% of what I’ve asked for, not 100%. I wonder if Buffalo Sabres fans felt the same way in 2006, when their team finally dumped the brown, red and white goat for a buffalo that resembled Sonic the Hedge Hog in darker shades of blue and gold, than their original logo? A similar situation occurred with the Washington Capitals. Sabres fans must have lobbied the team to eventually revert back to their original colours and logo primarily, because they have. The Capitals have not done the same. Although I hate the Buffalo Sabres, and it would involve another logo change, I hope the Blue Jays follow the Sabres lead on this one.
What do you think? Do you like or loathe the new logo?
…and that is the last word.
