TORONTO — In a brilliant gesture of gratitude and history, the Toronto Blue Jays plan to spend $1.2 million to build a statue honoring pitcher legend Dave Stieb — who holds nearly every major pitching record in the team’s history and is considered the soul of the Blue Jays for decades. This decision has not only sparked a frenzy among fans but also opened a new, emotional chapter in honoring icons yet to be officially inscribed in the MLB Hall of Fame.

Stieb is the only player in Blue Jays history to have a no-hitter — a game without giving the opponent a single hit — on September 2, 1990, a moment that became legendary in the hearts of fans.

Although not yet inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, Stieb is still considered an underrated icon. He holds almost every pitching record for the team — along with top statistics like innings pitched, wins, and shutouts — but was once prematurely removed from the Hall of Fame, much to the regret of many fans and experts.

According to internal team sources, the $1.2 million fund will not only be used for the statue but will also include the construction of a memorial area with displays about Stieb’s career, medals, no-hitter match balls, and fan stories.

A Blue Jays spokesperson said, “Dave Stieb was more than just a great pitcher — he was a part of the heart and history of the team. We want everyone, from longtime fans to first-time visitors to Rogers Centre, to be able to appreciate that legacy.”

The statue will depict Stieb in a mid-windup stance, ready to pitch — an image synonymous with the vibrant baseball nights in Toronto, allowing viewers to almost hear the roar of the crowd and relive those great pitching moments.

The news quickly spread and exploded on social media. Fans from all over flocked to community groups with thousands of messages expressing their emotions:

“Stieb is why I love the Blue Jays. Finally, he’s being honored properly!”

“A monument to a legacy yet to be inducted into the Hall of Fame — this is what we’ve been waiting for!”

Many fans also shared deeply personal memories associated with Stieb, from his first games with his parents to nights under the lights at Rogers Centre.

The statue project is not just a work of art, but also a symbol of historical justice and gratitude. Over the years, loud calls to honor Stieb have been made repeatedly, reflecting a common sentiment: some stars are measured not only by records or titles, but by their influence, emotions, and love for the team.

Many fans have expressed that Stieb’s absence from the Hall of Fame doesn’t diminish his value in the hearts of fans. They believe the statue will inspire younger generations of fans, helping them better understand the team’s traditions and history over the past 40 years.

One loyal fan shared: “Stieb threw every inning as if the game was his life — and now, every time we look at that statue, we’ll remember that spirit.”

With the upcoming statue, the Blue Jays are not only honoring a legend but also recognizing the importance of players who remain loyal and dedicated to the team, even without achieving the highest glory in MLB. This is a testament to the fact that sporting legacy isn’t just measured by Hall of Fame, but by how the community remembers and honors them—in every generation.

The Dave Stieb statue project is expected to be completed and unveiled during the 2026 season, coinciding with the anniversary of a significant part of the Blue Jays’ history, sparking overwhelming emotion among fans across North America.