Thu Sep 25 17:08:17 2008

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Blue Jays sign Gaston to extension through 2010

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Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - The Toronto Blue Jays announced a contract extension on Thursday for repeat manager Cito Gaston, who has done well enough in his stint this season to earn the job through the 2010 season.

Gaston, 64, entered the season as club ambassador and special assistant to the president and CEO but returned to the dugout for the Blue Jays after John Gibbons was fired on June 20. The Blue Jays have gone 48-36 under Gaston entering play Thursday, and are 83-75 on the season after a 35-39 start under Gibbons.

The first two-time manager in Blue Jays history, Gaston managed the club from 1989 to 1997 and led the team to four playoff appearances, including back-to- back World Series championships in 1992 and 1993.

Gaston owns a career 749-685 record as manager in a franchise-high 1,434 regular season games. The former outfielder for the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, and Pittsburgh Pirates was the club's hitting coach from 1982 to 1989 and again in 2000 and 2001.