**Blue Jays Near First Playoff Win in Nearly a Decade** The Toronto Blue Jays are on the brink of their first playoff series victory in almost ten years. Fans across Canada, including those in Prince Edward Island, are filled with excitement. One of the team's founders, Don McDougall, has been closely following the series. McDougall, a founding director of the Blue Jays, played a crucial role in establishing the franchise in Toronto during the 1970s. "It's quite thrilling and I must say, like everyone else, I'm filled with hope," he said in an interview. As of now, the Blue Jays lead the American League Division Series 2-0 against the New York Yankees. Game 3 is scheduled for Tuesday night. A win would secure the Blue Jays a spot in the American League Championship Series (ALCS). Reflecting on the team's journey, McDougall expressed his continued passion for the franchise. He noted the excitement of experiencing the ups and downs of the team over the years. "Of course this year it's been so exciting to follow it," he added. McDougall, who owns Mill River Resort and previously served as president of Labatt, was born and raised in P.E.I. He currently resides in Ebbsfleet, P.E.I. In 2023, he was appointed to the Order of Canada for his leadership in establishing the Blue Jays and for his contributions to entrepreneurship and philanthropy. In 1976, McDougall was part of the team that secured a Major League Baseball franchise for Toronto. "At that time we were primarily focused on getting Major League Baseball for Toronto," he recalled. The Blue Jays played their first game in 1977. The franchise has undergone significant changes since its inception. McDougall noted that the team was purchased for $7 million in 1976, with a total payroll of just $750,000 for the initial roster. Today, the Blue Jays are valued at approximately $2.1 billion, according to Fortune Magazine. Despite the financial growth, McDougall emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent. "There's young players that we really hadn't heard tell of before all of a sudden being heroes of the day," he said. McDougall recently reminisced about the team's success in the 1980s and early 1990s while speaking with former manager and current color commentator Buck Martinez. "[From] 1985 to 1995, Toronto was the best team in baseball," he said. He expressed optimism about the current roster, noting that the young players are solid contributors. If the Blue Jays win on Tuesday, they will face either the Seattle Mariners or the Detroit Tigers in the ALCS. The ultimate goal is the World Series, where the top American League team competes against the best from the National League. The Blue Jays last won the World Series in 1993, marking over 30 years since their championship victories against the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies.