Bill Caudill Turns 70: A Brief Look at His Blue Jays Career

Early Career and Rise to Elite Closer

Bill Caudill celebrated his 70th birthday today, marking seven decades of a notable baseball journey. After making his big‑league debut with the Cubs, he found his niche as one of the game’s top relievers in Seattle. His tenure in Oakland was highlighted by a spectacular season in which he posted 36 saves.

The Seahawks‑born pitcher’s reputation as a shutdown arm earned him a prized spot in the major leagues. He later landed in Toronto, a move that would define the next chapter of his professional life.

Arrival in Toronto

Following the 1984 campaign, the Blue Jays swapped Dave Collins and Alfredo Griffin for Caudill. Collins endured a forgettable year with the Athletics, while Griffin spent three seasons in Oakland. Intriguingly, the A’s deployed Griffin as a leadoff hitter, a curious choice given his .307 on‑base percentage.

Caudill’s first season with Toronto was solid: a 2.99 ERA and 14 saves. The club sought to lock him up for the long term, recognizing his potential as a future cornerstone.

First Contract and Boras Deal

He became the first client signed by agent Scott Boras, sealing a five‑year, $7 million pact. Only the initial three years were guaranteed at $4.5 million, with vesting options for the final two seasons. At the time, such a deal was considered a bold investment for a reliever.

Despite the confidence the contract reflected, the following season saw a dramatic downturn. Caudill’s ERA ballooned to 6.19, and he managed just two saves.

Struggles and Release

Clashes with manager Jimy Williams simmered, as Caudill coveted the closer role while Williams favored Tom Henke’s power arm. Rookie Mark Eichhorn was thrust into high‑leverage situations across 89 games, leaving little room for Caudill.

The tension culminated in Caudill’s release at the end of the season. He later signed with the A’s but battled persistent shoulder problems, leading him to leave the sport.

Post‑Jays Journey

After baseball, Caudill found work alongside Boras, his original agent. He finished his career with a respectable 106 saves, a 3.68 ERA over 445 games, and 24 starts. His story remains a case study in the fleeting nature of pitching contracts.

Elsewhere on the Birthday List

Outfielder Joe Cannon turned 73 this week, having spent two seasons with the Blue Jays from 1979 to 1980. He arrived via a trade with the Astros that also brought Mark Lemongello and Pete Hernandez in exchange for Alan Ashby.

The swap proved uneven: Lemongello logged 18 games in 1979, going 1‑9 with a 6.29 ERA. His post‑baseball life took a sensational turn in 1982 when he faced charges for kidnapping and robbery. Hernandez, meanwhile, appeared in 11 games across 1979 and 1982.

Cannon logged 131 games for Toronto, batting .177/.186/.208 while filling roles as a fourth outfielder, designated hitter, and pinch‑hitter. Ashby’s 11‑year tenure with Houston proved successful, showcasing solid defensive and offensive play as a catcher.

Pat Gillick’s decision to trade Ashby has been critiqued; the Jays possessed three promising catching prospects—Rick Cerone, Ernie Whitt, and Ashby—yet the return did not fully reflect Ashby’s potential.

Ty France Hits 32

Ty France marked his 32nd birthday, currently enjoying a decent offensive season with the Padres. The glove‑first first baseman has compiled eight major‑league seasons, appearing in 910 games.

His career line sits at .263/.334/.406 with 92 home runs. While fans may debate the value of a glove‑first approach, France’s bat has contributed noticeably to his team’s efforts this year.