Blue Jays Mourn Passing of Pitcher Jim Clancy

A stalwart of the 1977 expansion club and 12-year veteran has died at 69.

The Toronto Blue Jays community is in mourning following the death of **Jim Clancy**, a pitcher who was a foundational member of the team’s rotation for over a decade.

A Cornerstone of the Blue Jays’ Early Years

Jim Clancy, who debuted in the Toronto Blue Jays’ inaugural 1977 season, passed away Monday at the age of 69. The team confirmed his death via social media, though a cause was not disclosed.

Selected sixth overall in the 1976 MLB expansion draft, **Clancy** made his Major League debut on July 26, 1977. His first appearance was a tough outing against the Texas Rangers at Exhibition Stadium, where he allowed five earned runs in two innings.

Despite a 4-9 record in Toronto’s debut year, **Clancy** emerged as a consistent contributor. He achieved his first full winning season in 1978 with a 10-12 record, pitching for a team that finished at the bottom of the American League East standings.

All-Star Success and Championship Contention

Alongside fellow ace **Dave Stieb**, **Clancy** formed a key part of the Blue Jays’ starting pitching, helping the franchise move from expansion team to a competitive force. He was entrusted with opening-day starts in both 1981 and 1984, highlighting his importance to the club.

The 1982 season marked an all-star campaign for **Clancy**, who posted a 16-14 record with a 3.71 earned-run average and 139 strikeouts. That year, the Blue Jays finished outside the basement of the AL East for the first time, achieving a 78-84 record.

In 1985, **Clancy** contributed a 9-6 record with a 3.78 ERA as the Blue Jays secured their first division title. Their playoff run concluded in a seven-game AL Championship Series against the Kansas City Royals.

In 1988, following a season where Toronto missed the playoffs for a third consecutive year, **Clancy** moved to the Houston Astros. He had gone 11-13 with a 4.49 ERA that final year with the Jays.

His career concluded with the 1991 Atlanta Braves, where he pitched primarily from the bullpen. **Clancy** recorded his first career postseason victory in Game 3 of the World Series, a 12-inning thriller against the Minnesota Twins. Despite his win, the Twins ultimately clinched the series in seven games.

Throughout his career, **Clancy** accumulated a record of 140-167, with a 4.23 ERA and 1,422 strikeouts. His longevity and contributions were vital during the Blue Jays’ formative and competitive years. The career strikeout total places him among the top 500 strikeout pitchers in MLB history.