Cito Gaston Reunites with Butler as a Maple Leaf

Cito Gaston, the legendary former Blue Jays manager who led the team to back-to-back World Series championships in 1992 and 1993, is joining the Intercounty Baseball League’s Toronto Maple Leafs as an advisor at age 80. Despite offers to rejoin the Blue Jays in recent years, Gaston, who has spent his retirement golfing and traveling, opted to work with the semi-pro team based at Christie Pits park.

Maple Leafs co-owner and CEO Keith Stein expressed surprise that Gaston was available, calling him “the smartest baseball mind” in Canada. Gaston is excited to collaborate with the Leafs’ manager Rob Butler, a former Blue Jay who played under Gaston in the early ’90s. Butler praised Gaston’s quiet leadership and strategic mindset, which he hopes will benefit the team.

Gaston plans to attend seven to ten Leafs games next year, sharing his expertise and reconnecting with Toronto, a city he loves. His presence is expected to draw attention, with fans eager to see the iconic figure back in the baseball community.