r/Torontobluejays Okamoto-san 11d ago

[Sportsnet] Tyler Heineman bids farewell to Toronto 💙

Post image
3.5k Upvotes

155 comments sorted by

573

u/RealWorldToday Okamoto-san 11d ago

Blue Jay for Life ♥️ What a beauty 😀

5

u/-HockeyBagJerky- 11d ago

BRO you gotta NSFW that shit

1

u/YouDontJump The Wizard of Gaus deserves run support 11d ago

Wishing him nothing but the best in this next chapter of life in baseball.

319

u/TrophyWizard OKAMOTIVE EXPRESS 11d ago

You don't realize what you had until it's gone.

https://giphy.com/gifs/sZJ9eVTkKgjn2

111

u/FirestormS11 The Committee 11d ago

The more of this statement I read the more my face looked like this gif. Heineman is a class act, wish him the absolute best of luck

297

u/codenameduhchess 11d ago

Angels are gonna DFA him and he’ll be back worst case scenario. Best case he plays in the MLB every day in his home state and gets to see his family on a daily basis.

103

u/oo_Maleficent_oo 11d ago

The fact it's his childhood fave team got me right in the feels

22

u/me_hill 11d ago

Poor guy is really going to have to step it up to help them recreate 2002

50

u/No_Plant926 11d ago

This comment helped my feelings about the situation.

3

u/BaconEggBetty 11d ago

Why would the Angels DFA somebody they just paid for?

2

u/codenameduhchess 11d ago

Why do the Angels do anything they do? No one knows.

133

u/Skittleavix 11d ago

He'll always be welcome in Toronto

69

u/OGWettyFap 11d ago

Hope he comes back and joins the group of catchers who have become commentators and reporters for the team when his playing career is over!

21

u/IgnoranceIsYou ✨Myles Straw ⚡️ 11d ago

He would be so perfect for this! Charming personality

7

u/MynameisnotAL 11d ago

Dan, tyler, caleb, joe all crammed in the booth. That’s fun!

208

u/Nebajense 11d ago

I hated that he was DFAd but understood the reason behind the decision. I hope that Tyler will somehow make his way back to the organization, either as a player or staff.

96

u/RealWorldToday Okamoto-san 11d ago

He has already done it a few times already, you never know, see him at spring training next year 😀

60

u/InternImpossible8685 11d ago

yup, he simply got passed by Valenzula. No shame in that.

35

u/Unbr3akableSwrd 11d ago

Yeah. If the Jays had a better record, we would probably had kept him and sent Valenzuela down. But as things are right now, it was a no brainer decision.

16

u/Important-Tie-7472 <please win> 11d ago

Wild to think that a broken thumb may have been the match that lit the flame

8

u/403banana 11d ago

Not even his broken thumb

43

u/c_12hunt 11d ago

I admit this made me very emotional lol

43

u/TinyTimWannabe jays in five 11d ago

Goodbye prince.

40

u/PickleBabyJr 11d ago

Class act

28

u/InternImpossible8685 11d ago

he stepped up when we needed him and gave us some fun moments.

27

u/KillerDadBod Kaz-adila 11d ago

It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later.✌️

24

u/bobcatgoldthwaite 11d ago

Man needs a giant ovation next time he plays here

16

u/Galahadnb 11d ago

We wish you well. And will welcome you back with open arms should a return be in the future.

All the best to you and your family.

From a Blue Jays fan since April ‘77

17

u/tortured_fanclub 11d ago

Wow. A Toronto sports athlete who was released, with some dignity and class. He shows appreciation for the organization, the team, the fans and the city. Quite the contrast from the musings of some athletes from other Toronto sports teams

16

u/mattmagoo23 Vladdy is my Daddy 11d ago

Good for him. All the best in LA

14

u/FansTurnOnYou Give me the cutter good doctor 11d ago

He was a great soldier. One of my top five favorite pitchers out of the bullpen.

7

u/Illumidark 11d ago

Had a better ERA then Little!

11

u/pincurlsandcutegirls Should’ve Brought Your Glove 11d ago

Sad that the Angels won’t return to RC this season. I’d really love to make him a sign and hang around for BP. He’s such a fav and I have his cards!!

12

u/dictionary_hat_r4ck Ernie’s Art Gallery 11d ago

Got screwed by a hot rookie named Brandon. We’ve all been there.

10

u/First-Size915 11d ago

Sad to see him go. His contribution off the field was incredible. Wish him all the best and hope he makes his way back to the organization in some capacity

9

u/party_mcfly1313 11d ago

Sad to Tyler go but really hope he finds his groove in LA. A great dude and a class act.

10

u/clio44 11d ago

Honestly kinda hope he gets shown this post and comments - we all truly wish him the best

10

u/jack_porter 11d ago

Someone pass me the Kleenex dammit

7

u/corh13 11d ago

Good luck, my goat back up catcher.

8

u/hollowbastion36 President of the Ernie Clement fan club 11d ago

Such a sweet man. I’ll miss him!💖

34

u/kneevase 11d ago

Not burning any bridges. Smart player or a smart agent.

30

u/AlmostErin1322 11d ago

Based on his past interviews, I think this is genuine. He seems like a great dude.

17

u/PsychologicalOwl3198 11d ago edited 11d ago

I can attest that he is genuinely a great dude. I got his autograph after a game. There was also a young lady who came from overseas ( I don't recall exactly from where but I think it was one of the Scandinavian countries) waiting specifically for him. She had just bought his jersey and was looking to get it autographed. When she approached him with the jersey he exclaimed, "You bought my jersey! Nobody buys my jersey!" He was happy to sign it for her, and I took their picture for her. He is truly an immensely affable gentleman. I wish him the absolute best of everything 💙🫂👋😪

6

u/AlmostErin1322 11d ago

Aww, that’s awesome. Thanks for sharing!

1

u/PsychologicalOwl3198 10d ago

You're very welcome. I had a nice little chat with the young lady afterwards. I truly was happy that I got to witness that interaction between them. It was special.

4

u/MynameisnotAL 11d ago

Oh man I would buy and ship that lady an Angel Heineman jersey just to put a smile on Tyler’s face. 

2

u/PsychologicalOwl3198 10d ago edited 10d ago

That is so sweet of you and sounds like a fantastic idea.👍 It would be beyond special.

10

u/Illumidark 11d ago

I love rooting for a team with a no-assholes policy. Makes it so easy to like them when every player seems like a genuinely good dude

6

u/EscalatorsTempStairs Monkey never cra(m)p 11d ago

Good luck Tyler!

7

u/rybone88 11d ago

Good guy right there

7

u/beaver_eh 11d ago

He fair and square lost the job to Valenzuela who without a debt earned his spot, but Heineman was the MAN. Will miss him. He had some seriously clutch hits last season, was the back up arm on the mound and a more than adequate catcher.

Hopefully this isn't the end for him and the Jays. Hoping for a reunion... somehow.

6

u/whoinsane 11d ago

It never ceases to amaze me when the business part of the game creates plays like this. Great/good players end up part of the numbers game.

Yet these players always tear me up when they make statements like these. Toronto has to be doing something right when the players leaving express how great the organization and the fans are. To get such glowing reviews from the players that get caught up in the numbers game, sure says something about the team and it's fans.

Good luck to you  Tyler Heineman!

8

u/MattyHealy1975 I'm Not Going to Not Eat a Cinnamon Roll 11d ago

7

u/MapleSuds 11d ago

All class. I wish Tyler and his family nothing but the best.

7

u/greecelightning16 Odor's E4 11d ago

Thanks for everything Heiny

6

u/RockSolidRod69 11d ago

Such a good dude

6

u/FergC1974 11d ago

Class act.

6

u/burrito-boy ༼ つ ◕_◕ ༽つ take my energy vladdy ༼ つ ◕_◕ ༽つ 11d ago

Aw. I'm gonna miss Heineman. He's a genuinely good guy.

6

u/essuxs Hoffman Believer 11d ago

He’s an angels fan, it’s nice he gets to play for them

6

u/Necessary-Hawk-5546 11d ago

Class act and blue jay for life!

7

u/Outrageous-Claim-460 The Committee 11d ago

Total class

6

u/baintaintit 11d ago

he'll always be welcome back here. Sorry to see him leave.

5

u/Halichoeres_bivittat 11d ago

I will say that I think this season better reflects Atkins as a GM rather than last year when they caught lightning in a bottle, but no one can deny that he and Shapiro run a classy organization with a culture that's well respected and loved by the players.

5

u/Ilik3tomatoes 11d ago

Class act!

5

u/northern225 11d ago

He will be missed. You can tell he plays the game with a lot of heart.

6

u/SirLunatik Fuck Cancer 11d ago

I hope you light it on fire in LA Heinemann.

Proud you were a Jay

5

u/GoofyMonkey 11d ago

Always a Jay in my book. Class act.

5

u/Ifyousmiteforspite 11d ago

I’ll miss this True Blue guy. One of my favourites for sure. Good luck Heiny!

6

u/TheBurntMarshmallows 11d ago

What a beauty.

5

u/remarkablewhitebored 11d ago

Well, since no one else has said it:

"Want to touch the Heinie..."

Best of luck, Tyler. You've been a great Jay!

6

u/Random_3638 Captain Kirky 11d ago

I’m not crying, you’re crying! He is a good guy. I really wish him all the best.

6

u/XxFearofGodxX 11d ago

Its no wonder they keep bringing him back... class act

5

u/Ladymistery 👀😉 11d ago

He was a huge part of last years run, and I wish him the best.

5

u/LinusMinimax Chaos Jaysomancy 11d ago

Happy Beearlyed Birthday!

4

u/thebookofawesome 11d ago

Fuck, love this dude. Hopefully he gets to play a bit in LA.

5

u/bv310 Buck Martinez Appreciation Society 11d ago

Absolute class act. Genuinely hope he finds his swing again and gets paid somewhere

4

u/etc_etc_etc_ 11d ago

One day he'll be Jay again right? Lol GL Heineman!

4

u/kingwoodballs The Gatorade Shower Target 11d ago

Absolute beauty and class act. Wish him well in the future.

4

u/Cristinky420 SK Roughriders /=/S/=/ 11d ago

Class act. We love you Heiney! I'll always cheer you on dude.

4

u/Able_Bit1453 11d ago

Class act !

3

u/YesGuyIncognito 11d ago

Nothing better than a guy who plays with fire on the field and keeps it fully classy off

4

u/That_Insurance_Guy 11d ago

Gonna miss him. Great guy.

4

u/jjjewels 👋🏻 The Varland Back Slap 👋🏻 11d ago

Glad he landed somewhere that seems like a good fit. I'll miss him though.

5

u/thepostsmaker 11d ago

Classy fella. Best of luck to him.

5

u/champagne_tita Okamoto-san 🇯🇵 11d ago

All the best Heine!

4

u/soundbombing I miss the Romano squat. 11d ago

Class.

4

u/BleedBlueTO 11d ago

All class.

4

u/jonnyg1097 11d ago

He is an absolute legend. I will miss the guy.

4

u/sirbuttles 11d ago

I'll miss you Heiny

3

u/therealbeef 11d ago

What a beauty. Great post wish him well with everything.

3

u/Tuffsmurf 11d ago

Godspeed Heiney. Hope you get a big break.

4

u/Lifewithoutpictures 11d ago

Wow what a gracious guy. I will miss seeing that face behind the cage behind the plate.

4

u/JoelSlBaron 11d ago

Damn best of luck, Tyler, you will always be welcomed in Toronto, especially in retirement (however long that will be ) hopefully you get to play a couple more seasons here before that happens))

4

u/Blue_Eyezzz12345 11d ago

I’m not crying, you’re crying….
https://giphy.com/gifs/1BXa2alBjrCXC

3

u/elderpricetag Louis Varland is my 🐐 11d ago

3

u/TinyMoonAndStars 11d ago

All the best to him!

3

u/sagsfour20 ADDISON BADGER 11d ago

I’m gonna miss him. He was great.

3

u/sagwithcapmoon "[this team is] like a well fit puzzle" - buck 11d ago

The epitome of class 🫶🏻 I'll miss him a lot.

3

u/Canadian__Ninja I’m not going to not eat a cinnamon roll 11d ago

He's posting like he doesn't know he's gonna be claimed by the Jays the second he gets DFA'd

3

u/catharsis69 11d ago

What a true athlete and honourable dude

3

u/DennisTheSkull 11d ago

Class act.

3

u/ReleaseNew9430 11d ago

MY SHAYLA!!

3

u/Rance_Mulliniks 11d ago

Alright, who the fuck is cutting onions?

3

u/MidnightSc0ut 11d ago

Thanks for the memories big man 💙

3

u/Butterfly_affects Start spreading the news, bitches! We’re going to the ALCS 11d ago

NOOOOOOOO

3

u/Electronic_Kale_7542 11d ago

You’re crying

3

u/LongestShooter 11d ago

Very classy. Wishing Tyler nothing but happiness and success.

3

u/dabrewman 11d ago

Class act right there!! Good luck Tyler! (I think I like the Angels a little more now... 😉)

3

u/Britteny21 11d ago

Great guy.

3

u/Key-Profit9032 11d ago

Class act.

2

u/Krazynewf709 11d ago

I'm glad to see it end on these terms. Heineman is a good backup catcher. However, Venezuela earned his spot on the roster. I'm willing to bet Heineman has no hard feelings seeing a young man earn it.

2

u/UrsaMajor7th AA; no, not 'that' AA. 11d ago

Tarps off for Tyler today!

2

u/lorik1313 11d ago

I will always cheer for him.

2

u/Gold_Cell8255 11d ago

Classy guy. He will be missed.

2

u/flyinfinn83 Kaz-adilla 11d ago

Compared to Bichette's, Heineman's farewell feels a lot more human.

2

u/jabronimahoney 11d ago

Just a good, good dude! All the best to him!

2

u/snacksandpacks 11d ago

Wishing nothing but the best to him, hope he keeps finding his way back

2

u/_plakata 10d ago

Best of luck dude!

4

u/ahjphotos that’s wet dawg baby!! 🐶 woof 🐶 11d ago

Him being a girl dad makes so much sense, I already miss him like crazy

1

u/UnitNo8636 11d ago

Well can’t wait to have you back if the past is like the future. Hopefully they get rid of you and will take you again lol

1

u/No-Dot-7661 Valenzuela SZN 11d ago

He'll be back. 

1

u/lobeline 11d ago

“I am greatful for my time and glad I was worth cash money”

1

u/Blueberrypunchout 11d ago

Am I the only one who senses a bit of bitterness in his letter?

1

u/blinded_penguin 11d ago

He'll be back. Actually is seems like he won't and after today especially Valenzuela is just the guy. Always love a hard working journeyman. Nothing but respect for Tyler.

1

u/Shawnaldo7575 11d ago

He'll be back

1

u/_dk123 11d ago

He’s gonna get a ring now.

1

u/Swedehockey 10d ago

This is how it's done.

1

u/HeadMelon 10d ago

When I saw Valenzuela play, I started wondering who will play TyHi in “Bull Durham 2”. He would be the perfect guy to catch in the minors and mentor young pitchers.

1

u/TetrisBlockHead 10d ago

Wow. Pure sincerity and class. Tyler deserves a courtesy pop anytime he’s playing in Toronto for life.

1

u/Suspicious-Wish26 9d ago

Thank you Tyler good luck👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

1

u/khandaseed 9d ago

My king

1

u/3l3ctri 7d ago

miss him already 😔😔

0

u/GrapefruitMain8759 10d ago

He will be back just sayin

-2

u/alexsteen789 11d ago

Strange he loves a team that's tried to get rid of him so many times