Fast-hitting questions with newly minted Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer José Bautista

José Bautista is back where he made baseball magic. The six-time MLB All-Star—famous for the bat flip that rocked the Rogers Centre in 2015, cementing his place in Blue Jays history—is being inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame on Saturday. Bautista, who is now living with his family in Tampa Bay, has spent the week in Toronto, catching up with friends, attending Jays games and frequenting old haunts (a favourite is Barberian’s Steak House). “If Toronto were closer to the equator, I’d probably live here full time,” he says.

Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Bautista blossomed into a franchise legend during his 10 seasons in Toronto, defining the Jays’ offence with his clutch batting and devastating swing. Since retiring, he’s become a savvy entrepreneur, purchasing a Las Vegas soccer team and investing in Canadian brands like Flow Water and Mary Brown’s Chicken.

Here are some fast-hitting questions with the newly minted hall of famer.

What do you miss most about Toronto? The people: all the Jays fans, my friends, the workers at the stadium.

Who are you most excited to be inducted alongside into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame? Fergie Jenkins represents a lot for Canadian baseball. And Pedro Martínez—as a fellow Dominican, I’m proud to take my place next to him.

Related: José Bautista on being inducted into the Level of Excellence

What was your favourite moment as a Jay? The bat flip—and all the excitement and emotions about that moment, game and season. It was great to allow us to move forward to another round of the playoffs.

Did you keep the bat? I did. I have it at home in my office, very well taken care of. We’ll see what happens to it in the future.

Related: What Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman loves about midtown

How did it feel to watch the Jays play in person this week? They’ve been playing great, so I’m looking forward to more of that this summer and hopefully some meaningful games in September.

Who’s your favourite Jay right now? Obviously, Vladdy. I can’t help but root for that kid—I met him when he was still in diapers. I used to go eat at his dad’s house when we were playing against him. Vlad Sr. used to cook for everybody before games. Vlad Jr. was around, hitting the ball with his plastic bat. I got to see him grow up, so I’m very happy for him.

Related: How Blue Jays pitcher Yusei Kikuchi spends a day off in Toronto

What’s your favourite Jays jersey of all time? The baby blue, the one we wore back in the day when I first came to Toronto. I like that colour. It’s a cool retro vibe. My favourite is the one without buttons—it reminds me of Little League, when we didn’t have any buttons on our jersey.

Do you have a mentor as you launch into your new career in business? I have a dozen or so who have given me great advice. I try to take it all in, make good decisions, find meaning in what I do and be a good person.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.