Jim Clancy, former Blue Jays All-Star, dead at 69

Former major leaguer Jim Clancy – a longtime member of the Blue Jays – died on Monday.

He was 69. 

The Blue Jays announced his passing in a post on social media and the cause of death was not given. 

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Blue Jays great, Jim Clancy,” the Blue Jays wrote in a post on X. “His impact on our organization will be remembered forever. Our hearts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.”

Clancy debuted for the Blue Jays during their 1977 expansion season and spent 12 seasons with the team after being picked sixth overall in the 1976 expansion draft.

he played 15 years in the majors and compiled a 140-167 record with a 4.23 ERA and struck out 1,422 batters. 

He’s best remembered for his time in Toronto, where he became a mainstay for the Blue Jays’ starting rotation and was the club’s Opening Day starter in 1981 and 1984. 

Clancy was named an All-Star during the 1982 season and finished the year with a 16-4 record, 3.71 ERA and 139 strikeouts to his name. 

The right-hander helped the Jays win the AL East for the first time in 1985, going 9-6 with a 3.78 ERA, before falling to the Royals in the ALCS. 

He recorded eight double-digit win seasons and had at least 15 wins in 1982, 1983 and 1987. 

Clancy holds the distinction as second all-time in Blue Jays history in starts, innings pitched and complete games and sits third all-time in wins. 

Clancy left the Blue Jays after the 1988 season and signed with the Astros and remained there until he was traded to the Braves in the middle of the 1991 season. 

He pitched for the Braves in the World Series that year, recording a win in Game 3 against the Twins.