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PLAYING CAREER Primarily a Center Fielder , Gaston began his decade-long playing career in 1967 with the Atlanta Braves , appearing in 9 games. The following year he was selected by the San Diego Padres in the Expansion Draft , first playing for them in 1969 . He had his best individual season in 1970 when he Batted .318 with 29 Home Run s, 92 Runs and 93 RBI (all career highs) and was selected to the National League All-Star Team . The rest of Gaston's career was marred by unfulfilled potential, never hitting more than 17 home runs or knocking in more than 61 runs in any season with the Padres (until 1974 ) or the Braves (from 1975 until 1978 ). COACHING AND MANAGING CAREER Gaston became the hitting Coach for the Toronto Blue Jays in 1982 , a position he held until mid-season 1989 when he took over managerial duties from Jimy Williams . Under the new leadership, Toronto transformed from a sub-.500 team to the eventual division winners, going 91-71 (77-49 under Gaston). Toronto's success under Gaston was not shortlived, as they finished 2nd in the division behind Boston the following year, and won the division again in 1991 , 1992 and 1993 . Toronto won their first franchise World Series championships in 1992 and 1993 . Gaston's success, however, faded after the championship years and he was fired during the last week of the 1997 season having failed to lead the team to a winning record since 1993. Given Gaston's impressive record, it is somewhat surprising that he has yet to manage again in the major leagues. This may be due to the popular, though arguably unfair, perception that the Blue Jays won their two titles due to their overwhelming talent that included experienced veterans, not due to any great managing by Gaston. Gaston rejoined the team as a hitting coach after the 1999 season but was fired again after a disappointing 2001 campaign. Gaston, for most of the 1990's, was a hated figure in the city of Baltimore , home of the Orioles . In the 1993 All Star Game held at Oriole Park At Camden Yards , Gaston sent then Orioles Pitcher Mike Mussina into the bullpen to warm up, but allowed Blue Jays pitcher Duane Ward to close the game out and secure the win. As angry fans jeered in dismay, park cameras showed Gaston seated stonefaced with his arms crossed, only adding to the hometown crowd's fury. Gaston was elected into the Canadian Baseball Hall Of Fame in 2002 . EXTERNAL LINKS
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