TORONTO — North American baseball lost not just a friend, but an icon today. Steve Hargan, a member of the Blue Jays’ inaugural team in 1977 and a former All-Star, passed away at the age of 83.
The lights at Rogers Centre will likely quiet down once more, as Hargan’s memory serves as a reminder that time cannot erase the numbers, the pitches, and most of all — the love of the game.
Steve Hargan—a native of Indiana—spent 12 seasons in MLB, playing for the Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, Blue Jays, and Atlanta Braves. He finished with a record of 87 wins, 107 losses, a 3.92 ERA in 1,632 innings.
But the numbers don’t tell the whole story. In 1977, when the Blue Jays made their MLB debut, Hargan appeared in five games with the team, recording a 5.22 ERA, 11 strikes, and 1‑3 hits.
When the news broke, the entire fan base and generations of Blue Jays were as one: sad, sad — but also proud. A man who fought, who was on the field, then stepped out of the spotlight to live his life with humanity.
After leaving the field, Hargan lived in Palm Springs, California, where he chose to retire after his youth spent in baseball.
In a brief statement, the Blue Jays wrote: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Steve Hargan. He left a mark not only on the history of the team but also on the hearts of his fans forever.”
Perhaps, to many, Steve Hargan is not as prominent as the next generation of superstars, but that is what makes him more relatable — a normal person with desire, effort and a heart for the field. When mentioning the “inaugural member” of the Blue Jays, his name is always mentioned as one of the first pillars, the one who laid the first brick for the journey of the organization.
Now, when he has left the physical stage of baseball, Hargan’s image will still exist: in old photos, in the memories of fans, every time fans talk about Blue Jays history and honor the past.
This moment urges us to remember that — behind every success, behind the titles, there is a human being. Steve Hargan lived up to that: playing, fighting, and then leaving with gratitude and respect from the baseball world.
My deepest condolences to Hargan’s family, friends, teammates and all fans. While Steve is no longer here, his spirit and influence will forever be with the Blue Jays — and with Canadian baseball as a whole.
Rest in peace, Steve Hargan. Thank you for playing, for being there, and for leaving an indelible mark.
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