1983 to 1993 represented the Golden Age of baseball for the Blue Jays. During those 11 years, the Jays went to the playoffs five times winning the World Series back to back in 1992-1993. Had the wildcard existed, the Jays would have been in the playoffs 11 years in a row.
Back in the day, there existed only 2 divisions in the American League. The East and the West. 14 teams in total with 7 in each division. It was a grind. 162 games, one winner. No wild card. 6 teams to beat. To make it to the playoffs, one had to win the division.