To the Toronto Blue Jays organization, our amazing supporters, and the whole Blue Jays family,
My heart is bursting with pride, appreciation, and passion as I sit down to write this letter. I want to try to express what this experience has meant to me, even though it is impossible, because you all deserve to hear it straight from me. Each of you has formed, strengthened, and encouraged my story, my development, and my dreams. And I will always be grateful for that.
I felt something strong as soon as I put on the Blue Jays uniform, something I had only dreamed of experiencing as a young child hoping to play professional baseball. It was a feeling of home and belonging. In addition to welcoming me, this organization supported me, had faith in me, and allowed me to develop into the catcher, teammate, and guy I am today. This club’s faith and trust in me has enabled me to take advantage of every opportunity, overcome every obstacle, and learn every lesson.
Through every inning, every hit, every defeat, and every victory, the fans—our boisterous, brave, and devoted Blue Jays nation—have been my lifeblood. Your applause reverberates much beyond the stadium’s boundaries. They get to us in the clubhouse, in the dugout, and even on the days when we struggle in private. You remind me of the reasons I adore this game so much. You serve as a reminder that we play for a community that supports us despite the misgivings of others, in addition to ourselves.
I want to express my gratitude to my coaches and teammates for supporting, encouraging, and mentoring me. The foundation of this game is brotherhood, cooperation, and trust. All of that is something I have discovered here, and I am grateful for it. You’ve pushed me to grow both personally and as a gamer.
Please know that your influence on my life goes well beyond the baseball field, Blue Jays personnel, supporters, and everyone else involved in this amazing adventure. You made it possible for me to develop, fail, learn, and eventually succeed. You provided me with the means to fulfill my dreams and the encouragement to pursue even more ambitious ones.
This is not a farewell letter. It’s an homage. I’m grateful. A pledge.
Toronto will always be a part of me, no matter where the path takes me.
With deep appreciation and affection,
Alejandro Kirk,