World Series Returns to Toronto After 32 Years

TORONTO — The excitement has been building for 32 long years for the World Series to come back to Canada.

When Addison Berger hit a grand slam during the Blue Jays’ Game 1 win over the Dodgers on Friday night, it felt like the entire nation was inside the Rogers Center, ready to erupt.

“This is a special place to play,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider remarked. “Everyone in this city, in this building, and all across the country feels it.”

The postseason has shown how much the Blue Jays thrive on this stage, especially compared to teams from other countries. Players have noted that the experience here is unique.

“Once you get here, you’re not just playing for a city, you’re playing for a country,” said right-hander Chris Bassitt, who is in his third year with the team. “You don’t quite grasp it until you’ve spent some time here.”

This sense of responsibility creates a vibrant home-field advantage that was evident during the season, where the Blue Jays had an impressive 54-27 record at home, second only to the Phillies.

They’ve improved their playoff record at Rogers Center to 5-2, with the Mariners being the only team to claim victory here during the postseason, winning the first two games of the ALCS before falling short of the World Series.

The Yankees seemed particularly baffled by their inability to win at Rogers Center this season.

When considering earlier games, the Blue Jays are just 1-8 here this year (and 5-3 against the Yankees in New York), including a four-game sweep during July, which Schneider highlighted as a pivotal moment for the Blue Jays.

Of course, having a strong batting lineup has been a significant advantage for the Blue Jays.

The same struggles faced by the Yankees throughout the season resurfaced again on Friday against Blake Snell and the Dodgers’ bullpen. It was a typical Blue Jays game, with Snell being pressured right from the start until he exited the game by the sixth inning, having allowed nine runs. The turning point came after a single, a walk, and then a substantial home run.

Berger’s grand slam sent the enthusiastic crowd into a frenzy. Beer flew from the upper deck, while fans hugged and celebrated those around them.

After such a long wait, nights like this were sorely needed, as the Blue Jays hadn’t been in a World Series since 1993.

That year was memorable for Joe Carter’s walk-off home run that clinched the championship, a moment replayed countless times over the years.

Now the Blue Jays have a chance to create new unforgettable memories — like George Springer’s game-winning home run in Game 7 of the ALCS and now Berger’s grand slam.

“No one really talked about how long the championship drought felt, it seemed impossible,” said Isaiah Kinner-Falefa. “But now we have this chance.”

Kinner-Falefa, who grew up in Hawaii a Yankees fan and played for the Yankees in 2022-2023, noted how “different” the experience is with the Blue Jays.

“The Yankees’ fan base is amazing, but I didn’t realize how devoted Blue Jays fans are,” he reflected. “I thought there would be more Mariners fans on the West Coast of Canada, but it seemed like they were all rooting for us. Their support is something special, particularly since we haven’t won before. Giving them something they haven’t had adds to that connection.”