With the first pitch of the 2009 baseball season about to be thrown out, and with the Jays once again led by their Cy Young candidate, All-Star and poster boy Roy Halladay the question must be asked of Toronto baseball fans, who is the greatest pitcher in Blue Jays history?

Since 1977, many pitchers have taken the mound for the Jays, so the list of greats needs to be whittled down to the final four.  To be considered as one of the greatest of all-time, you need to consider great individual and team seasons, length of service, and of course the contribution of the pitcher to a winning team.

Some of the players that were on the short list of greatest of all-time and would definitely get a loud round of applause from the fans during a “Flashback Friday” at the Rogers Centre included Jimmy Key, Jim Clancy, Duane Ward, Juan Guzman and the one man every Toronto fan loved when he was in a Jays uniform, but couldn’t stand when he was wearing another jersey, David Wells. 

Two other pitchers made big impacts on the Jays while they were here, one contributed to a World Series title, the other won back-to-back Cy Young awards and set several single season pitching records,  Jack Morris and Roger Clemens.  Although, either could be considered the best pitcher to ever suit up for the Jays, neither made their home in Toronto long enough to gain the status of an all-time Jay.

Pat Hengten

Drafted by the Jays in the 1986 amateur draft, Hengten made it to the majors in 1991, and started his first game at the age of 22.  Hengten pitched nine seasons in Toronto, where he was a three time All-Star, helped the team to two World Series titles (a little more in ’93 than ’92), and won the Cy Young award in 1996 when he went 20-10.

He was only the second Jay, after Jack Morris to win 20 games.  Hengten is fifth on the all-time Jays win list with 107.

Tom Henke

The Terminator as he was affectionately called by fans during his tenure as the Jays' closer from 1985 to 1991, Henke was the first big name closer the Jays ever had.  After a successful rookie campaign in 1985 where he saved 13 games, he garnered Rookie-of-the-Year honor and most valuable player votes. This all came as while helping the Jays to their first division title. 

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