Countdown to Spring Training - 47 Days

If you followed the Blue Jays closely from 1980 to 1989, there is no doubt you will remember Lloyd "Shaker" Moseby. His ability to impress on the field and his charm off the field make him unforgettable. He also holds a few of the franchises top records including the 47 hits he tallied in August of 1983, which are the most hits in one month by any player in franchise history.

Moseby was drafted in 1978, 2nd overall by the Toronto Blue Jays. It was clear from the beginning that he held the potential to be a great major leaguer due to his amazing speed and ability to hit the ball. He spent the first year of his professional career with the Medicine Hat Blue Jays, which at the time was home of the Rookie Ball team for Toronto.

The next season he was promoted to Single-A ball with the Dunedin Blue Jays in 1979. He had 446 plate appearances for Dunedin with 148 hits and 18 home runs, proving that he was a dynamic player.

Toronto sent him directly to Triple A the next season, but he spent a little less than half the season with the Syracuse Chiefs before he made his debut with the Toronto Blue Jays on May 24, 1980. He finished his season with the Chiefs with 89 hits, 9 home runs and 46 RBI's.

Throughout his career, it was clear that Moseby's speed was his most valuable asset. In 1984 he had his breakout season, tying Dave Collins with most triples that season (15), while adding 39 stolen bases and 166 hits. Moseby was also a member of one of the most powerful outfields in Blue Jays history along with Jesse Barfield and George Bell.

He had another great season in 1987 when he hit a career high 26 home runs, 96 RBI and a stole a total of 39 bases.

In his 10 years with the Blue Jays, he still holds the franchise number one spot in stolen bases with 255. Other than holding the top spot for stolen bases, Moseby is mentioned in a number of different franchise top 10 records such as 2nd for triples with 60 (Tony Fernandez is number one with 72) and 3rd for total runs with 768 (Carlos Delgado 889 and Vernon Wells 789).

After 10 seasons with the Blue Jays, Moseby signed with the Detroit Tigers where he played for two seasons before he decided to travel to Japan to play for the Yomiuri Tigers in 1992 and 1993. He retired from baseball in 1994.

After retirement, Moseby went on to be the first base coach for the Toronto Blue Jays in 1998 to 1999. Since then, he has remianed involved with the Blue Jays, helping out with the Honda Super Camp for kids to learn how to play baseball.

Moseby had a successful career as a very vibrant player and off the field is no different. If you ever have the chance to meet this Blue Jays great, you'll be able to feel his intensity and love for the game instantly.