With the Josh Donaldson trade still fresh in the memories of Toronto Blue Jays fans, the 2015 AL MVP wanted to make it known that he enjoyed every moment spent in Toronto.
Speaking to Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi for the first time since being traded to the Cleveland Indians, Donaldson was clearly emotional when reflecting on the deal.
“I’m just so grateful for the time that I was with the Toronto Blue Jays organization,” Donaldson said. “From Day 1, the fans really took me in. It started in 2015 with the All-Star Game votes, and just how they continued to show up and support me throughout the years was incredible.
“It’s not a time that I’m going to forget. It is difficult, because I am leaving a city that I did love.”
In total, Donaldson played in 462 games from 2015 to 2018, slashing .286/.383/.548 with 116 home runs and 316 RBI with the Blue Jays. However, some of his fondest memories with the Jays were spent off the field.
“I felt like I’ve been able to be a part of that community, for the fans to show up the last four years, for the fundraisers and being able to give back and contribute to that city. I felt like that’s been a part of who I am, so the fans have been a part of me as well.”
Donaldson will join former teammate Edwin Encarnacion, who contacted Donaldson when the trade was finalized to welcome him to his new ball club.
“He and I were close when we were teammates in Toronto,” Donaldson said. “We made a lot of great memories together and had a lot of success together as well. I’m just looking forward to continuing to do what we did in the past and hopefully make some new memories as well.”
You can watch the full 1-on-1 interview with Shi Davidi in the video above.
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