Remembering George Holm: A Foundational Figure in Blue Jays History
George Holm, a longtime executive and a key architect behind the Toronto Blue Jays’ rise as one of baseball’s most popular franchises, passed away Saturday at the age of 80. Holm died at Greater Niagara General Hospital in Niagara Falls, Ontario, following a courageous seven-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Holm’s story is woven into the very fabric of the Blue Jays’ origin. Born on September 19, 1945, he brought his experience from the Cincinnati Reds-where he spent five seasons in ticket sales-to Toronto in 1976, just as the Blue Jays were preparing for their inaugural season. From day one, Holm was entrusted with leading the team’s ticket operations, a role that would become central to the franchise’s early success.
Over 23 seasons with the club, from 1977 to 1999, Holm helped turn the Blue Jays into one of the hottest tickets in the game-not just in Canada, but across Major League Baseball. His leadership was especially crucial in 1989, when the team made the high-profile move from Exhibition Stadium to the brand-new SkyDome (now Rogers Centre). That transition could’ve been a logistical nightmare, but under Holm’s steady hand, ticket sales ran smoothly, setting the stage for a new era in Blue Jays baseball.
And what an era it became. In 1991, the Blue Jays became the first MLB team to top 4 million fans in attendance in a single season-a staggering number that spoke to the organization’s growing popularity.
Holm was at the center of it all, overseeing ticket operations during the team’s back-to-back World Series runs in 1992 and 1993. Behind the scenes, he helped ensure that the excitement fans felt on the field was matched by a seamless experience off it.
Holm’s impact extended beyond the numbers. He was a mentor and leader within the organization, known for his professionalism, calm demeanor, and deep understanding of the business side of baseball. One of the many who learned from him was Gord Ash, who began his Blue Jays career in the ticket office in 1978 and later rose to become the team’s general manager.
Holm’s contributions didn’t go unnoticed within the organization. He eventually rose to the role of vice-president of operations, becoming one of the longest-serving and most respected executives in Blue Jays history. After his time with the club, he continued his career in sports as the ticket sales director for the Toronto Thunderhawks of the National Professional Soccer League in 2001.
In total, Holm earned four World Series rings-two with the Reds and two with the Blue Jays-a testament to his role in building winning organizations. But beyond the accolades, his legacy lies in the generations of fans he helped bring through the gates and the colleagues he guided along the way.
George Holm is survived by his wife, Carole. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
For Blue Jays fans and baseball insiders alike, Holm’s passing marks the loss of a behind-the-scenes pioneer-someone whose work helped shape the experience of baseball in Canada from its earliest days.