A few weeks ago, AL Eastbound & Down quoted a Yahoo! report mentioning that the Jays were interested in moving their AAA ball club to Buffalo. TSN.ca has confirmed that the Jays have succeeded the Mets as the Bisons’ parent club:
The team announced a new two-year affiliation with the Buffalo Bisons of the AAA International League on Tuesday. The move ends the Blue Jays’ four-year affiliation with the Las Vegas 51s of the Pacific Coast League.
The Buffalo franchise traces its history back to the 19th century, playing as a major league team in the National League from 1879 until 1885. Following its brief tenure in the NL, it became a minor league club in the International League and Western League. As the turn of the twentieth century approached, Buffalo was a whisker away from joining the original American League. The Boston Americans were chosen instead.
Over the next 70 years (until 1970) the Bisons played in the AAA International League, winning four titles along the way (1933, 1936, 1957, 1961). Through the ’70s, however, the franchise experienced difficulties and was replaced by the Memphis Blues. The Bisons were resurrected in 1979 as the AA affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. They rejoined AAA ranks in 1985 and have since been affiliated with the CWS, PIT, CLE, NYM, and now TOR.
Here’s to hoping that the Jays enjoy a long and productive relationship with the Buffalo Bisons, a team with a rich history.
Trivia Question: Which Blue Jays coach managed the Bisons at one time?
Wes Kepstro
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