gold star for USAHOF

6. Jimmy Key

Jimmy Key began his career with Toronto in 1984, where he was used as a Relief Pitcher, recording ten Saves, but the Jays management viewed him as a starter, which is the capacity he served for the rest of his 14 Seasons in Baseball.

The Southpaw was an All-Star in his first year as a Starting Pitcher, winning 14 Games against 6 Losses and helping the Blue Jays make their first postseason.  Key would methodically work his way to the top of the Toronto rotation, winning the ERA Title (2.76) and WHIP Title (1.057) in 1987 while finishing second in Cy Young voting and winning The Sporting News Pitcher of the Year.

Toronto continued to improve, adding starters around Key, and building up a true contender.  Key was an All-Star again in 1991, and in 1992, he was part of a rotation that led the Jays to their first World Series Title.  He left Toronto for the Yankees, where he had two more All-Star, and top-five Cy Young finishes.

With the Blue Jays, Key went 116-81 with 944 Strikeouts and an ERA of 3.42.

159. Jimmy Key

Jimmy Key played his entire career in the American League East, dividing between three teams, Toronto, New York, and Baltimore, finding success with all three clubs.