The familiar song of “Jo-sé, Jo-sé, Jo-sé” echoed around Rogers Centre for the first time in six years as José Bautista was added to the Toronto Blue Jays’ Level of Excellence on Saturday.
A visibly emotional Bautista was honoured in a 45-minute ceremony before Toronto hosted the Chicago Cubs, culminating in him throwing the opening pitch out to Vladimir Guerrero Jr., a symbolic passing of the torch between two centrepieces of the Blue Jays’ offence.
“You guys have no idea how much this means to me and my family,” said Bautista, clearing his throat to fight back tears, addressing the sold-out crowd
