Countdown to Spring Training - 6 Days

John McDonald spent seven seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays and during those seven seasons he became a fan favorite due to his hard work on the field and the kindness he displayed off the diamond. McDonald wore the number six in all seven seasons he spent with Toronto.

His career started when he was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 12th round in 1996, and he made his Major League debut in 1999. Since the start of his career, he has always been a fan favorite. While he was with the Akron Aeros, the Indians used him in promotions to draw more crowds to Cleveland games. McDonald was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays for the first time in 2004, in exchange for Tom Mastny.

McDonald only spent the first part of the 2005 season backing up short stop Russ Adams, playing in a total of 37 games for the Blue Jays before he was traded to the Detroit Tigers for future considerations. In November of 2005 he was re-acquired by Toronto in exchange for cash considerations.

In 2006, Johnny Mac finally became the starting short stop for Toronto, and on July 26, 2006 he hit his first career grand slam. In 2007, the Blue Jays had McDonald share the short stop position with Royce Clayton. He showed amazing defensive skills and was subsequently brought back to a starting role.

Though McDonald is not a decorated player, in a poll done by Rogers Sportsnet, he was voted the most popular Blue Jay just edging out Cy Young winner Roy Halladay.

McDonald missed part of the 2010 season to help out with his ailing father who eventually passed away. His first start back from losing his father was June 20th 2010, Father's Day, and Johnny Mac celebrated by hitting a home run in his first at-bat.

McDonald may not be a Blue Jay anymore, but he is one that many fans will remember forever.

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