Toronto Blue Jays fans react after the team scored against the Seattle Mariners in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series in Toronto, on Monday.Laura Proctor/The Canadian Press
It’s been 32 years since the last time the Toronto Blue Jays played in the World Series. It’s an experience people in most cities get to witness once or twice in a lifetime, if they’re lucky.
For diehard fans, a spot in the World Series feels like a culmination of years – even decades – of support. But the infectious energy of the Blue Jays’ playoff run has been enough to pull in viewers from across Canada, many of whom are new to the team, and some to baseball in general.
The Blue Jays’ year started out rocky. Now it’s monumental. Here’s what changed
If you’re thinking about watching the game and curious about jumping on the proverbial bandwagon, it’s an incredibly fun time to support Canada’s team. We spoke with experts and superfans to give you the basics before the finals.
Why the 2025 season has been so exciting for the Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays players celebrated for hours on the field at Rogers Centre and in a beer-and-champagne-soaked party in their clubhouse in Toronto on Monday after clinching a World Series berth.
The Canadian Press
At the beginning of the regular season, experts did not expect much from the Jays. The team finished at the bottom of their division last year. Analysts predicted the team would miss the playoffs or at best inch out a wild card spot. But contrary to expectations, the season saw the team become one of the best squads in the MLB.
The unexpected success story gave the team momentum. American threats of making Canada the 51st state added another reason to support the Blue Jays. The games themselves became exciting, with Canada’s team mounting 49 comeback victories during the regular season.
“Going from the bottom to being acknowledged as one of the two best teams in the league has been so thrilling,” said comedian and self-described Jays superfan Clare Blackwood. “Both the players and management have been vocal about the fact that they are playing for a country. It’s been easy to feel like there’s real magic to the team this year.”
Guerrero Jr., Springer and the major Blue Jays players you should knowOpen this photo in gallery:
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., left, and George Springer, right, celebrate after winning Game 7 of the ALCS against the Seattle Mariners on Monday.David J. Phillip/The Associated Press
The standout player for the team has been Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Born to a father who played for the Expos – a Montreal-based MLB team that existed until 2004 – the Canadian-Dominican first baseman has been putting together a truly exceptional postseason run, living up to his star status and the massive 14-year contract extension worth US$500,000,000 he signed in April.
“Whether it’s the Yankees series waking him up, a knack for the big moment, or that little bit of rest before the playoffs, he’s really found that superstar gear for the last couple weeks,” said Blake Murphy, a Blue Jays analyst with Sportsnet. With six home runs during the playoffs, Guerrero has been one of the most exciting names in baseball.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. salaries front-loaded in $500-million, 14-year contract with Blue Jays
Other players of note include outfielder George Springer, whose Game 7 home run against the Seattle Mariners sent the Blue Jays to the World Series. Rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage broke a franchise record for most strikeouts in a postseason game during the series against the Yankees. Two-time All-Star pitcher Kevin Gausman has also been key to winning big games.
Star shortstop Bo Bichette should be returning from injury for the series against the Dodgers. Despite the standouts, one of the joys of the Jays run is watching contributions from deeper parts of the lineup, showcasing their ability to come together as a unit.
“It’s just such a beautiful mix of the different ways to win in baseball,” Murphy said.
How the Blue Jays and the L.A. Dodgers compareOpen this photo in gallery:
The Toronto Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr., left, at Rogers Centre in Toronto, and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani, right, at Fenway Park in Boston.Sammy Kogan/The Globe and Mail-Brian Fluharty/Getty Images
The Dodgers won two of the three games the teams played against each other this season. Looking through stats, many consider the Blue Jays to be underdogs, especially given the massive amount of money Los Angeles has put into their lineup.
“The Dodgers have not only the highest payroll in baseball, but the highest payroll in the history of baseball. They are loaded. They’re the evil empire at this point,” Murphy said. “It’s hard to have a dynasty right now, but they’re the closest thing there is. And they keep adding and adding.”
The Toronto Blue Jays face the L.A. Dodgers in the World Series. Here’s how they match up
Just 31, Ohtani’s career is laced with legendary moments
On a team of superstars, there’s no bigger name than Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani has won multiple MVP titles. He also happens to be a starting pitcher. That combination of talent has made the Japanese player an international sensation, putting him in the conversation for one of the greatest players of all time. Adding to the rivalry is the fact that many fans speculated Ohtani would end up with the Blue Jays before signing a US$700-million 10-year contract with L.A. after the 2023 season.
Last year, the Dodgers won the World Series against the New York Yankees. They’re tied for the fifth most title wins of any MLB team. But people have been counting out the Blue Jays all year, and they’ve made a habit of defying expectations.
Why you should join the Blue Jays bandwagon for the World Series
Thousands of Blue Jays fans poured into the streets of Toronto on Monday night celebrating the team’s first World Series berth in more than thirty years.
The Canadian Press
Allowing yourself to get swept up in the highs and lows of the game and root for something as a group is an incredible feeling. You can see that in videos of fans hugging and celebrating on the streets, casual conversations about the team at the office and massive merch sales at shops across Canada.
If you’d like to watch the games with a group, there are viewing parties for Friday’s game set up at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto, NewRoads Performing Arts Centre in Newmarket, Garden Square in Brampton, Celebration Square in Mississauga and City Hall in Windsor. Plus bars across the country will be joining in the fun.
“Some people feel complicated about the bandwagon but I don’t. It’s a great opportunity for people to come together,” said Steve Sladkowski, an ardent Jays supporter and guitarist for Toronto rock band PUP. ”This is the sort of game that reflects the city that Toronto wants to be and tells itself it is. I can’t think of a better way to show civic pride, to get engaged and fall back in love with Toronto than through the Jays.”