The cost of a Blue Jay

The American League’s owners 48 years ago today greenlight the sale of Toronto’s incoming expansion team to Labatt Brewing Co.

While the soon-to-be-named Blue Jays do not begin play until 1977, they sell 48 years ago today for a reported $7 million.

A nice return on the franchise comes in 2000, when Rogers Communications purchases the team for $160 million.

Now, fast forward 24 years and the Blue Jays’ franchise today, according to the folks in the financial know at Forbes Magazine, are worth $2.1 billion.