TORONTO - One of the highlights of Toronto skipper John Schneider's first day at the World Series — aside from the 11-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers — was getting a chance to connect with former Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston.

"He's always been great to me," Schneider said before Game 2 on Saturday. "He just said, 'I love what you're doing, I love the way your team plays and you should be very proud of what you've done.'

"And I said, 'That means a lot coming from you.'"

Gaston, who threw the ceremonial first pitch to Schneider before Game 1, guided the Blue Jays to World Series titles in 1992 and '93.

After throwing the pitch, the 81-year-old Gaston asked Schneider to autograph the ball for him since he planned to put it on his mantle.

"I did and I made him a promise that I need to

See Full Page