Kinston Blue Jays
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Former minor league baseball team located in Kinston, NC. The Kinston Blue Jays were the Toronto Blue Jays minor league Class A team in the Carolina League from 1982-1985. From 1979 to 1981, the Blue Jays affiliate in Kinston was known as the Kinston Eagles. Following the 1985 season, the Kinston team lost its affiliation with Toronto but remained in the Carolina League as the Eagles. In 1987, they became known as the Kinston Indians when they became a franchise of the Cleveland Indians. Throughout this period, the Kinston teams have played in Grainger Stadium.
Well known former alumni of the Kinston Blue Jays include NFL star Jay Schroeder, Fred McGriff, Cecil Fielder, Jose Mesa, Geronimo Berroa, Tony Castillo, John Cerutti, Glenallen Hill, Nelson Liriano, Mike Sharperson, David Wells, and Pat Borders. Former managers include John McLaren, Doug Ault and current major league manager Grady Little. The owner of the Blue Jays in 1982 and 1983 was Ray Kuhlman.
