Major League Baseball Playoffs: Blue Jays Grab National Attention, But Are They “Canada’s Team”?
Baseball fans in Canada are riding a rollercoaster, as the Toronto Blue Jays bounced back from two losses at home to the Seattle Mariners with a 13 to 4 win on Wednesday night. As the Jays look to advance to their first World Series since 1993 (a series I covered for the Toronto Star, allowing me to witness Joe Carter’s home run with my own eyes) attention on the team has advanced well past regular ball fans.
New data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds two-in-five Canadians following the team closely on this run (39%) – rising to half in Ontario (49%) and 53% in Toronto. This, compared to a baseline of 22% who say they normally follow Major League Baseball to this same level.
The total number who are paying at least some attention to the team reaches seven-in-10 (69%), again a significant increase over the regular baseball-following population (53%).
That doesn’t, however, mean that everyone agrees on whose team this is in the broader context. Many have suggested that this is “Canada’s team”, but those who live in the Jay’s home town appear less willing to share. Or perhaps they’re not convinced the rest of Canada loves them as much as Torontonians do.
A Blue Jays game at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. Jim Byers Photo
Whatever the reason, 45% of folks in Toronto say the Jays are Canada’s team, while 43% say it’s Toronto’s team. Just five per cent claim that Ontario is the core identifier. People who live elsewhere inCanada are more likely (49%) than not (33%) to say the Jays are Canada’s team.
Those who follow the game more closely are more willing to say that this is Canada’s squad. Approaching four-in-five (77%) who are the most intense followers say this, alongside 72% of those who follow “closely”, suggesting that those on the fringes of fandom are more deferential to the host city rather than claiming a stake in the team.
As the Jays try to get back to the glory of the early ’90s, 15% of those following say they have a very good chance of winning it all. A large majority (69%) give them a “decent” shot but wouldn’t call them favourites.
Fans check out the action from Sportsnet Grill at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. Jim Byers Photo
I’d say the same given the up-and-down Jays bullpen and the strength of the Mariners. If they can win the ALCS (American League Championship Series), they could face a Los Angeles Dodgers juggernaut.
Either way, this has been a magical season. And, don’t forget, they’re doing well in the postseason without Bo Bichette, one of the top hitters in baseball this year. Not to mention significant injuries to former pitching stars such as Chris Bassitt, Jose Berrios and Max Scherzer, who starts tonight in a key game in Seattle.
FIELD VIEW ROOMS AT THE TORONTO MARRIOTT CITY CENTRE: GREAT WAY TO SEE THE JAYS AT HOME
A field view room at the Toronto Marriott City Centre hotel at Rogers Centre
Looking for the ultimate way to catch the ALCS action but don’t have a ticket to the game? The One-of-a-Kind Field View Rooms at the Toronto Marriott City Centre put you right in the ballpark – literally. The only hotel in North America located inside a Major League Stadium, Toronto Marriott City Centre’s Field View rooms and Suites are on the ultimate baseball fan’s bucket list.
These exclusive rooms sleep up to 5 guests and offer a front-row view of the game directly from your window. It’s your private viewing party, without the hassle of tickets or lineups.
Why it’s the best seat in the house:
– No tickets required – your room is your ticket!
– Room service at your fingertips
– Instant replay on your in-room flatscreen TV
– Private washroom & total comfort
– Sleeps up to 5 guests — perfect for friends or family
The last remaining rooms for Game 6 and a potential Game 7 of the ALCS are now available – and better yet, they’re fully refundable if the Blue Jays clinch the series early.
