The TORONTO BLUE JAYS announce the special appointment of PAUL BEESTON as President Emeritus, in honour and recognition of his many years of service and contributions to the organization.
“Paul’s achievements and dedication to both the Blue Jays and MLB is incomparable. This is simply a small token of recognition for the nearly four decades he’s given the game,” said Mark Shapiro, President & CEO, Toronto Blue Jays. “We felt it was right to honour the legacy he has built and ensure he’s a part of the future successes of this team.”
The first employee of the Toronto Blue Jays, Beeston was hired in 1976 as vice president of Administration, and later took over as vice president of Business Operations ahead of the club’s first full season in 1977. He served as the team’s president from 1989 to 1997, during which he led the club to back-to-back World Series championships (‘92 & ‘93). In October of 2015, he announced his retirement following his second stint as Blue Jays president and CEO (2008 – 2015).
“I am truly fortunate to once again be welcomed back into this great organization,” commented Paul Beeston. “To have a small role moving forward is something that I sincerely appreciate. Over the past year I have had a front row seat to observe Mark Shapiro’s innovative thinking, his professionalism and his commitment to winning and bringing a championship to Toronto. I am confident we will achieve that goal and get back to where we have not been for over 23 years. Go Jays!”
Beeston becomes the first Blue Jays employee to hold the title of President Emeritus, and will retain it in perpetuity.
