14
1946 Grey Cup championsCirca 1946
15
Game action of Royal Copeland during the 1947 Grey Cup.29 November 1947
Varsity Stadium, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
16
Toronto's next Grey Cup appearance and victory was in 1950, in the famous Mud Bowl, once again defeating the Blue Bombers 13-0. The game itself was not very compelling, due to errant throws the entire game by each quarterback, but it did have drama, as it appeared that the referee Hec Creighton had saved a Winnipeg Blue Bomber pplayer Buddy Tinsley from drowning on the field.17
The Toronto Argonauts after the Mud Bowl.25 November 1950
Varsity Stadium, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
18
The next time Toronto made the Grey Cup was in 1952, this time defeating the Edmonton Eskimos 21-11, earning their 10th Grey Cup in Argonauts history.After winning the Grey Cup, things started to go bad for Toronto, and they finished last place five times in the 1950s (1953, 1956, 1957, 1958, and 1959). Before the 1959 season even started, the Argonauts moved into the CNE grounds. And to open up the new stadium, the Argonauts decided that they should played an exhibition game against the Chicago Cardinals of the NFL, once again using both types of rules in the process. Toronto were leading early 13-7 after one quarter, but still ended up losing the game 55-26.
19
Game program between the Toronto Argonauts and the Chicago Cardinals.5 August 1959
CNE Stadium, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
20
To start off the 1960s, the Argonauts decided once again that they should host a NFL team in Exhibition Stadium. This time, the Pittsburgh Steelers came, and much like in 1959 Toronto lost 43-16. Hoping the third time will be the charm for the Argonauts, Toronto once again challenged the NFL and the St. Louis Cardinals came to Exhibition Stadium. Unfortunately for Toronto, they once again fell in defeat as they lost the game 36-7. Toronto's only score came in the last quarter.21
Game program between Toronto and St. Louis.2 August 1961
CNE Stadium, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
22
From 1962 to 1966, the Argonauts were in last place, with the1963 season being their worst, with only three wins. In 1967, for the first time in five seasons, Toronto made the playoffs only to be defeated by Ottawa 38-22 in the Eastern semi-final. While 1968 was an improvement from the year previous, the Argonauts still could not beat the Rough Riders.In that same season, Bill Symons became the first Argonaut ever to rush 1,000 yards in a season. Thanks to that achievement, he became the first Argonaut to win the Schenley Award, which is now known as the Most Outstanding Player Award. The 1970s were much like the 1960s- a decade of disappointment, even though it started well.
23
In 1971 Toronto finished in first place in their division for the first time since 1960, and made their return to the Grey Cup for first time in 19 years unfortunately the Argonauts lost the Grey Cup to the Calgary Stampeders 14-11. The next season Toronto was back in last place with a 3-11 record. In 1973, the Argonauts celebrated their centennial year, finishing in second, and returning to the playoffs, where they unfortunately were bested by the Montreal Alouettes. The next time Toronto made the playoffs was in 1977 where they were defeated by the Rough Riders 21-16.After the dismal 1979 season in which Toronto finished with a 5-11 record, Forrest Gregg was relieved of his head coaching duties, and promoted Willie Wood to become the new Argonauts head coach, making him the first ever African-American head coach in the CFL. Unfortunately, his leadership did not produce better results, and in 1981 Willie Wood was replaced ten games into the season.
24
In the 1982 season Toronto had their first winning season since 1971, and returned to the Grey Cup, though they lost to Edmonton 32-16. The following season, Toronto returned to the Grey Cup, and this time defeated The B.C. Lions 18-17 winning their first Grey Cup since 1952.25
In 1991, the team was sold, this time to hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, comedian John Candy, and then Los Angeles Kings owner Bruce McNall. Under this ownership, Don Matthews was replaced as head coach by Adam Rita, and the Argonauts finished first in their division, earning them a trip to the Grey Cup. In the coldest Grey Cup game (-16 degrees Celsius) on record, Toronto defeated the Calgary Stampeders 36-21 and won their 12th Grey Cup.26
Don Moen and Dan Ferrone celebrating with the Grey Cup.24 November 1991
Winnipeg Stadium, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
27
In 1996 after missing the playoffs the previous season in 1995, Don Matthews returned and led the team to their 13th Grey Cup, when Toronto defeated Edmonton 43-37 in Hamilton. The next season, the Argonauts were again Grey Cup Champions, easily defeating the Saskatchewan Roughrider 47-23. |
 |
 |
 |