John Tory expressed his gratitude to Paul Beeston before handng him the key to the city. (Colin Edwards/Toronto Observer)
Toronto mayor John Tory presented Paul Beeston with the key to the city Wednesday afternoon at city hall.
“The purpose of the key to the city is to recognize an extraordinary citizen,” Tory said.
Beeston, the president emeritus of the Toronto Blue Jays, was the very first employee for the Jays back in 1976. He served as team president from 1989 to 1997 and again from 2008 to 2015.
John Tory thanked Beeston for the work he has done and continues to do for the Blue Jays organization and the city of Toronto. Beeston helped oversea back-to-back World Series titles in 1992 and 1993.
Beeston was taken aback when he heard he would be receiving this honour.
“I thought why would you honour me, I’ve been honoured for 40 years living and working in this great city,” Beeston said.
Along with the key to the city, Beeston has also been honoured as a member of the Order of Canada and the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame.