Dr. Ron Taylor, a figure revered both as a professional athlete and team physician, has passed away at the age of 87. He was a two-time World Series-winning pitcher for the New York Mets and played an instrumental role in the development of the Toronto Blue Jays as their longtime team physician. The Blue Jays confirmed his death in a statement issued on Monday, although they did not disclose the cause.

Born on December 13, 1937, in Toronto, Ontario, Taylor embarked on a professional baseball career after signing with the Cleveland Indians in 1955. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for ten seasons from 1962 until 1972. His debut came on April 11, 1962, and he made a remarkable entry by throwing 11 scoreless innings at Fenway Park, only to face a setback when he allowed a grand slam in the 12th inning, resulting in a 4-0 defeat.

In 1963, Taylor joined the St. Louis Cardinals, where he quickly became part of a championship team, contributing to their World Series victory in 1964. One of the highlights of his career came in 1969 when he was a key member of the "Miracle Mets" team that remarkably won the World Series. In that season, he played a critical role by achieving a win out of the bullpen in the National League Championship Series against the Atlanta Braves, followed by an impressive performance in the World Series where he allowed no hits in 2 1/3 innings and secured a save against the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles.

Throughout his career, Taylor also played for the Houston Astros and the San Diego Padres. By the end of his time in the MLB, he accumulated a career record of 45 wins and 43 losses, with an earned-run average (ERA) of 3.93, alongside 464 strikeouts and 74 saves. His baseball journey came to an end in 1972, after which he redirected his focus towards medicine.

Returning to Toronto, Taylor pursued a medical degree at the University of Toronto and graduated in 1977. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Toronto Blue Jays as their team physician in 1979. His impact extended beyond the playing field as he earned the nickname "Dr. Baseball." Over the course of 30 years, he contributed significantly to the team's successes, including their two World Series championships in 1992 and 1993.

In recognition of his contributions to sports and medicine, Taylor received numerous accolades throughout his life. He was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985, followed by his induction into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 1993. Additionally, he was honored with an induction into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 2010. In 2005, he was appointed to the Order of Ontario by Lieutenant Governor James Bartleman, underscoring his influence and legacy in Canadian sports and medicine.

Dr. Ron Taylor's legacy is one of dedication to both athletics and healthcare, leaving behind a lasting mark on the Toronto Blue Jays and the world of baseball. His contributions continue to be valued and remembered by fans and players alike.