The Bautista Appreciation Society

It all stemmed from the comments section at The Tao of Stieb and it’s now ballooned into an internet sensation of epic proportions. After spending almost 11 months with the club, we finally pay tribute to one of the most often overlooked Blue Jays, Jose Bautista.

It’s time to give credit where it is due, and so … the Bautista Appreciation Society (BAS for short) is born.

While his bat may not be feared, Jose Bautista’s outfield skills more than make up for it. Bautista is tied for 5th in the American League with seven total outfield assists. What makes that stat even more amazing is that Bautista has played just 31 games in the outfield.


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If you do the math that means he guns down a runner every four games. Compared to his counterparts in the Jays outfield, Bautista has two more outfield assists than Vernon Wells and Alex Rios, both which have started over 90 games in the outfield.

Stat geeks need not worry – this affection for Jose Bautista is warranted and also backed by cold hard facts. Bautista’s RngR (Range Runs Above Average) is an acceptable at -2.4, similar to Alex Rios at -2.9. Bautista’s UZR is even pretty decent at -5.3. Hell, anybody in the Blue Jays outfield right now looks like a Gold Glover compared to Vernon Wells.

If it weren’t for his .256 batting average, I would say that Cito should put Jose Bautista in left field for every game. Defensively, Bautista is a great asset in the outfield and does a great job at holding runners and throwing them out too.

So for all of those wanting to join, official Bautista Appreciation Society membership cards and T-Shirts will be available in the near future. Please sign up in the comments section below.

On behalf of Jose, thank you.

Ian Hunter

Ian has been writing about the Toronto Blue Jays since 2007. He enjoyed the tail-end of the Roy Halladay era and vividly remembers the Alex Rodriguez "mine" incident. He'll also retell the story of Game 5 of the 2015 ALDS to his kids for the next 20 years.

16 thoughts on “The Bautista Appreciation Society

  • July 27, 2009 at 11:29 pm
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    Thanks for your support guys, you are officially members of the BAS.

    BK, I think that like might have to be printed on the T-Shirts because it's hilarious. I caught you a delicious BAS – priceless!

  • July 28, 2009 at 12:18 am
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    Bautista Appreciation Society Ladies' Auxiliary and Sewing Circle reporting for duty. There's room in my grinchy little heart for more than one left fielder named Jo(s)e.

  • July 28, 2009 at 1:29 am
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    Sewing circle? Oh yeah, how else are we going to make the jerseys and T-Shirts!? Brilliant, LJ.

    Just think of Jose as your Dominican Joe!

  • July 28, 2009 at 5:23 pm
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    If he can start providing even a hint of being a power threat, I'll consider. Until then – I'm not down with the J-Mac of the outfield.

  • July 28, 2009 at 5:31 pm
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    I'm happy enough with the guy, but I'm not a big fan of being a big fan, so I'll pass on society membership. That said, go for gold — the worst he can do is disappoint or be traded in short order.

  • July 28, 2009 at 8:43 pm
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    Fair enough, gents – to each his own. I'm just saying that I think JoBau deserves a little more love for his contributions to the team (whether they be offensive or defensive). If he can get that batting average above .260, that would be a great start though.

  • July 29, 2009 at 2:23 am
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    I agree that he deserves some recognition — as a replacement player, he's very solid. And yes, considering his field is superior to Wells, and his batting startlingly similar, I would at the very least suggest we look into splitting Wells' salary two ways with Jose.

  • July 29, 2009 at 3:05 am
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    Great idea! Let's send that suggestion to Beeston and company to split up that salary. Share the wealth!

  • July 29, 2009 at 9:11 pm
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    He doesn't suck ALL the time, just sometimes at the plate. Most of the time in the outfield he's pretty boss.

  • July 14, 2010 at 2:46 am
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    I am from Pittsburgh PA, and want to join the Bautista Appreciation SOciety(BAS) Very badly. turns out not only am i a fan of JoBau, but a relative of mine knows him personally, very close. long story, but someone email me at nickhanson25@verizon.net and get me the info to join please. also i want to get a shirt and membership card. which ever is available. Thanks So much. im also on facebook Nick Hanson.

  • July 14, 2010 at 4:07 am
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    Hey Nick, thanks for your interest! While I've done some photoshopping of a BAS card and T-Shirt, unfortunately they don't exist yet. I am thinking of getting some shirts done soon, and if I do I'll let you know. Cheers!

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