The last time the Blue Jays went all the way was in 1993, thirty-two years ago. The last time the Blue Jays went to the World Series was an entire generation ago – my dad was in his first year in university, just like me. The last time the Blue Jays went to the World Series, they won. 

My first memory of the Blue Jays was in 2015. They’d made it far enough into the playoffs that the whole city was tittering with excitement. It was my very first time at Harvey’s, and I remember rushing to the nearby plaza, excited because we had to make it home for 7 p.m. to watch the game – and also because I could choose between onion rings and fries. Gathered around the dinner table with Blue Jays vs Royals and takeout burgers & fries, since then, I’ve associated baseball with casual foods, relaxed fun, and a very, very long game. 

The next time I watched a baseball game was a decade later, at Innis Orientation. More notable was the time after, just a few weeks ago. It was the first night of the World Series, the Friday before Reading Week, and the entire country was buzzing as watch parties blossomed across the country, including at King’s Circle. I, along with seven friends, joined the small community of U of T students, chatting and cheering as the players were introduced. Just then, two men came over with a microphone and a camera: “Can we interview you guys?” they asked. And moments later, a white-yellow light lit up, and the cameraman counted down, three, two, one…

“Hello everyone, we’re from Rogers. How is everyone feeling today?” 

We cheered. 

“Well, you’re going to feel even better now because you’ve just won Blue Jays tickets for Game Two!” 

What?

It was like the movies, or a news headline you know will never happen to you – except it did. We couldn’t believe it, and throughout the next half hour, every few minutes, one of us would scream in excitement and disbelief. We were going to the World Series! 

My father and I took the subway down to St. Andrew’s Station the next day, dressed in all blue and face paint. We joined the tens of thousands of fans up the concrete ramp to the nosebleeds. From our seats, we could barely see the players. Still, it didn’t matter – even in this high-stakes game, the experience was so much more than just the game – the entire atmosphere was filled with a collective hopefulness from the entire country, as well as a desire to simply enjoy the game. We bought food at the many stalls around the stadium, bar-hopped to the various balconies for different views, and watched the Jumbotron for fun signs.

In that game, the Jays scored just one run in the third inning, followed by a dry spell for the rest of the game. Even still, the spectators all around were electrified. It reminded me, somehow, of the first Harvey’s dinner. Yes, the game was the focal point, but ultimately, everyone was there for a good time and good fun. There was scarcely a second when there wasn’t a sporadic chant, a bout of cheering, or fun flashing lights. 

In the end, I feel insurmountably honoured to have lived out such a historic – if disappointing – moment. As we wait in anticipation for the season to start again, I will certainly be visiting Rogers Stadium again.  Go Jays!