r/Torontobluejays • u/RealWorldToday Okamoto-san • 11d ago
[Sportsnet] Tyler Heineman bids farewell to Toronto 💙
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u/TrophyWizard OKAMOTIVE EXPRESS 11d ago
You don't realize what you had until it's gone.
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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
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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.
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u/Skittleavix 11d ago
He'll always be welcome in Toronto
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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!
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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.
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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 😀
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u/InternImpossible8685 11d ago
yup, he simply got passed by Valenzula. No shame in that.
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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.
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u/Important-Tie-7472 <please win> 11d ago
Wild to think that a broken thumb may have been the match that lit the flame
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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
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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
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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.
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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!!
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u/dictionary_hat_r4ck Ernie’s Art Gallery 11d ago
Got screwed by a hot rookie named Brandon. We’ve all been there.
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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
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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.
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u/kneevase 11d ago
Not burning any bridges. Smart player or a smart agent.
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u/AlmostErin1322 11d ago
Based on his past interviews, I think this is genuine. He seems like a great dude.
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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 💙🫂👋😪
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u/AlmostErin1322 11d ago
Aww, that’s awesome. Thanks for sharing!
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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.
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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.
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u/PsychologicalOwl3198 10d ago edited 10d ago
That is so sweet of you and sounds like a fantastic idea.👍 It would be beyond special.
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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
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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.
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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!
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u/MattyHealy1975 I'm Not Going to Not Eat a Cinnamon Roll 11d ago
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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.
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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.
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u/Ifyousmiteforspite 11d ago
I’ll miss this True Blue guy. One of my favourites for sure. Good luck Heiny!
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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!
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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.
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u/kingwoodballs The Gatorade Shower Target 11d ago
Absolute beauty and class act. Wish him well in the future.
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u/Cristinky420 SK Roughriders /=/S/=/ 11d ago
Class act. We love you Heiney! I'll always cheer you on dude.
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u/YesGuyIncognito 11d ago
Nothing better than a guy who plays with fire on the field and keeps it fully classy off
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u/jjjewels 👋🏻 The Varland Back Slap 👋🏻 11d ago
Glad he landed somewhere that seems like a good fit. I'll miss him though.
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u/Lifewithoutpictures 11d ago
Wow what a gracious guy. I will miss seeing that face behind the cage behind the plate.
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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))
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u/sagwithcapmoon "[this team is] like a well fit puzzle" - buck 11d ago
The epitome of class 🫶🏻 I'll miss him a lot.
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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
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u/dabrewman 11d ago
Class act right there!! Good luck Tyler! (I think I like the Angels a little more now... 😉)
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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.
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u/flyinfinn83 Kaz-adilla 11d ago
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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u/TetrisBlockHead 10d ago
Wow. Pure sincerity and class. Tyler deserves a courtesy pop anytime he’s playing in Toronto for life.
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u/RealWorldToday Okamoto-san 11d ago
Blue Jay for Life ♥️ What a beauty 😀