Canada Awaits 32 Years for World Series Return

TORONTO — It took 32 years for the World Series to make its way back to Canada.

On Friday night, it felt as though the entire nation was at Rogers Centre, creating an electric atmosphere when Addison Barger hit a grand slam that propelled the Blue Jays to victory over the Dodgers in Game 1.

A Special Experience for Players

“This is a unique place to play,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider noted. “Everyone here, from the city to the entire country, truly feels the energy.”

The postseason and regular season have been filled with reminders of how the Blue Jays play not just for a city, but for a nation, a sentiment echoed by players like right-hander Chris Bassitt, who remarked, “You really grasp the significance of it once you spend time here.”

Home-Field Advantage

This intense national pride contributes to a significant home-field advantage. The Blue Jays had a strong home record of 54-27 during the regular season, ranked second in the majors.

They continued to shine at home, improving to 5-2 in the playoffs, with the only hiccup against the Mariners. The Yankees were especially baffled by their inability to secure wins at Rogers Centre, finishing the season 1-8 there.

A Dominant Lineup

The Blue Jays’ formidable lineup consistently challenges their opponents. They displayed this against Blake Snell and the Dodgers, making him work hard before exploding for nine runs. Barger’s grand slam notably sent the enthusiastic crowd into a frenzy, marking a moment they had waited years for, as it was their first World Series appearance since 1993.

History in the Making

The last time the Blue Jays participated in the World Series, Joe Carter delivered a memorable walk-off home run. This new team is generating moments of their own that could soon become iconic. Isiah Kiner-Falefa reflected on the championship drought, stating, “Now that we’re here, it’s fantastic for the country that we have this opportunity.”

Kiner-Falefa, who previously played for the Yankees, acknowledged the distinct experience of being part of the Blue Jays. “The fan base here is remarkable; it’s special,” he shared, noting that the support they received was unexpected and meaningful.