Today marks the 76th birthday of Doyle Alexander, a notable figure in Major League Baseball and a former pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays. Alexander's career spanned several years, during which he made significant contributions to the teams he played for, particularly the Blue Jays, where he spent four seasons from 1983 to 1986.
During his tenure with the Blue Jays, Alexander compiled a commendable record of 46 wins and 26 losses, along with a 3.56 earned run average (ERA) across 106 games, making 103 starts. The Blue Jays signed him as a free agent on June 21, 1983, following his release from the New York Yankees. At that time, he was struggling, holding a 0-2 record with a 6.35 ERA in eight games. His previous season had also been challenging, as he finished with a 1-7 record and a 6.08 ERA in 16 starts.
Upon joining the Blue Jays, Alexander quickly turned his performance around. In his first season with the team, he recorded a 7-8 record with a 3.93 ERA in 17 games. The Blue Jays were in a competitive position when he arrived, sitting just 1.5 games out of first place. However, a rough August derailed their playoff aspirations that year, and the team ultimately finished fourth in the American League East.
Alexander's best season came in 1984 when he achieved a remarkable 17-6 record with a 3.13 ERA over 36 games, including 11 complete games. His performance that year earned him some votes for the Most Valuable Player award, highlighting his importance to the team. Although he struck out only 139 batters in 261.2 innings, Alexander was adept at securing crucial outs when needed.
The pinnacle of his Blue Jays career came in 1985 when the team reached the postseason for the first time. Alexander played a vital role in this achievement, finishing the regular season with a 17-10 record and a 3.45 ERA across 36 starts. Despite his contributions, the Blue Jays' playoff run was short-lived, as they were defeated by the Kansas City Royals in the American League Championship Series (ALCS). Alexander struggled during the postseason, posting an 8.71 ERA in two starts.
Midway through the 1986 season, Alexander was traded to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Duane Ward. This trade ultimately benefited the Blue Jays, as Ward became a significant player for the team. A year later, the Braves traded Alexander to the Detroit Tigers for John Smoltz, a move that proved even more advantageous for Atlanta. Alexander later faced the Blue Jays in a pivotal series in 1987, helping the Tigers clinch the American League East title, a moment that remains a painful memory for Toronto fans.
Over the course of his career, Alexander finished with a record of 194 wins and 174 losses, along with a 3.74 ERA. Known for his ability to mix pitches and utilize various arm angles rather than relying solely on velocity, he was a crafty pitcher who many believed would excel as a pitching coach. Despite his contributions to the game, Alexander did not receive any votes when he appeared on the Hall of Fame ballot, a surprising outcome given his accomplishments.
As we celebrate Doyle Alexander's 76th birthday, it is a moment to reflect on his impact in baseball and the memories he created during his time with the Blue Jays and beyond. Happy Birthday, Doyle!
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