For the first time since 1993, the Blue Jays had the opportunity to bring the World Series trophy back to their hometown, Toronto. Unfortunately for the Canadian team, that dream was taken away when they lost to the L.A Dodgers during game 7 of the championship on Saturday evening, November 1st. Many players were deeply affected by the loss, some staying afterwards in the empty arena contemplating their defeat, while others gave teary interviews. This was a difficult setback, especially since many players on the team are becoming free agents this year, meaning this could have been their last season with the Jays. Chris Bassitt, a Blue Jays pitcher who is set to become a free agent next year, was notably emotional after giving an interview to the MLB where he expressed his hope to return and play with the team again. Players weren’t the only ones shaken by the defeat, with fans stating they were “absolutely devastated”, especially since many flew all over the country and paid thousands for a chance to see the team play.
However, the players’ efforts didn’t go unnoticed as both teams were tied until the 7th and last game. The Jays and the Dodgers delivered a thrilling performance, with some games requiring double the usual innings to declare a winner. Many viewers felt as though the loss was more impacting since it was such a close call.
Although it was a tragic defeat, some say it brought back a feeling of patriotism and community. The rise of patriotism comes from the Blue Jays being the only Canadian team in the MLB since the Montreal Expos left the organization in 2004 due to insufficient funding. Since it was the only chance Canadians had of winning the World Series, baseball fans all over the country rallied behind the Toronto team. During the week of the World Series, the streets of Toronto were filled with people celebrating the team’s victories, and many gathered in bars and homes to watch the game with friends. The last few games also happened to fall on Halloweekend, which led to house parties having the TV set to the sports channel, and people in the clubs could be seen watching the game in line for drinks, while the most devoted fans brought the game to the dancefloor.
Overall, even though they lost, a Canadian team making it to the World Series brought us a renewed sense of unity and spiced up our fall and midterm season, and, who knows, maybe the Blue Jays will fly once again next year.
