September 20, 1983 – Willie Upshaw becomes the first Blue Jay to record 100 RBIs in a season

September 20, 2024

By Kevin Glew

Cooperstowners in Canada

Forty-one years ago today, Willie Upshaw became the first player in Toronto Blue Jays’ history to amass 100 RBIs in a season.

The left-handed hitting first baseman reached the milestone when he singled to right field off Seattle Mariners right-hander Mike Moore in the third inning to score Dave Collins and Rance Mulliniks in the Blue Jays’ 7-3 victory at Exhibition Stadium.

The 15,657 fans in attendance responded by giving Upshaw a standing ovation.

“I was almost panting when I came up with guys on second and third. I had to tell myself to relax,” Upshaw told the Toronto Star after the game. “I got real embarrassed when they gave me that standing ovation. But I’m very appreciative that they (the fans) know. It was some kind of thrill.”

Upshaw’s teammates were also thrilled to see him get his 100th RBI.

“I never saw a guy work as hard at improvement as Willie Upshaw and he has improved every year,” infield teammate Garth Iorg told the Toronto Star. “He’s amazing. Right now, he is one of the best in the league, a Cecil-Cooper-type who can hit home runs and hit for average, drive in runs, and he’s a real good first baseman.”

Blue Jays catcher Ernie Whitt agreed.

“I always thought he was a good hitter,” Whitt told the Star, “but he has worked harder on his fielding than anybody I know and he has made himself outstanding defensively. He’s more mature now and he has more confidence in himself. I’m so happy for him.”

After the game, Blue Jays equipment manager Jeff Ross popped the cork on a bottle of champagne to celebrate Upshaw’s accomplishment.

Upshaw recorded his 100th RBI as part of a streak of eight consecutive games in which he drove in at least one run.

Upshaw finished the year with 104 RBIs. He was a quiet leader on the 1983 Blue Jays squad that finished 89-73 – marking the first year the team would finish over .500.

Just three years later, Jesse Barfield and George Bell joined Upshaw in the Blue Jays’100-RBI club when they each recorded 108 RBIs during the 1986 season.