George Bell’s Historic 1987 Season: A Landmark Year for the Toronto Blue Jays……
In the rich tapestry of Major League Baseball history, few seasons shine as brightly for a franchise as George Bell’s 1987 campaign did for the Toronto Blue Jays. That year, Bell etched his name not only into the Blue Jays’ record books but also into the annals of baseball history. His performance during the season marked a pivotal moment for the Canadian club, solidifying Bell as a superstar and establishing Toronto as a legitimate powerhouse in the American League.
George Bell made history in 1987 by becoming the first Toronto Blue Jays player to win the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. His dominant performance at the plate throughout the season earned him this prestigious honor, a testament to both his talent and work ethic. Bell’s 1987 stats were nothing short of spectacular: he batted .308, hit 47 home runs, and drove in 134 RBIs. His 47 home runs set a then-franchise record and tied him for the league lead. His offensive explosion helped propel the Blue Jays into playoff contention and captured the attention of baseball fans across North America.
Bell’s MVP win was historic not only for the Blue Jays but also for Major League Baseball. It signified the arrival of a new force from north of the border—a team and a player that demanded respect. At a time when baseball was still primarily dominated by American franchises and stars, Bell’s ascendance in Toronto represented the growing international influence of the sport. His win brought pride to Canadian baseball fans and further legitimized the Blue Jays as a serious competitor in the league.
In addition to the MVP award, Bell was also recognized with the Silver Slugger Award in 1987, awarded to the best offensive player at each position in both the American and National Leagues. This honor underscored his prowess at the plate and his dominance as one of the game’s most feared hitters. Bell’s combination of power, consistency, and clutch hitting made him a nightmare for opposing pitchers throughout the season.
That same year, Bell achieved another milestone by becoming the first Toronto Blue Jay to be voted into the starting lineup of the MLB All-Star Game. This recognition was particularly significant because it reflected the respect and admiration he had earned not just from coaches and players, but from fans across the league. His All-Star appearance cemented his status as one of baseball’s elite and brought national attention to the Blue Jays franchise.
Adding to his remarkable list of achievements, Bell was named Sporting News Player of the Year for both the American League and all of Major League Baseball. These awards, voted on by players and baseball insiders, further highlighted the level of impact Bell had during the 1987 season. To be honored by one’s peers is among the highest compliments an athlete can receive, and Bell’s dual recognition spoke volumes about the respect he commanded on and off the field.
George Bell’s historic 1987 season left an indelible mark on the Toronto Blue Jays organization. He became a symbol of the team’s rise and a trailblazer for future Blue Jays stars. His accomplishments helped to elevate the Blue Jays’ profile across the league and paved the way for the team’s eventual World Series triumphs in the early 1990s. Today, Bell remains a beloved figure in Toronto sports history, and his 1987 season stands as a shining example of excellence in baseball.
In a single season, George Bell broke barriers, made history, and forever changed the narrative around the Toronto Blue Jays. His name continues to resonate with fans and serves as a reminder of a year when one man’s brilliance carried a team—and a nation—into the spotlight.