‘Once in a Lifetime’: Toronto Buzzes as Blue Jays Return to World Series After Three Decades
For the first time since 1993, the Toronto Blue Jays are back on baseball’s biggest stage — and the city is electric.
The Jays open the World Series Friday night at Rogers Centre, facing the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1. It’s a moment fans across Canada have been waiting generations for.
“I’ve never seen the Jays get anywhere near here in my life,” said 12-year-old Tobin, a High Park Little Leaguer. His teammate Gia called it a “once in a lifetime opportunity.”
For older fans, it’s nostalgia — for younger ones, history in the making.
“I think I was three years old the last time,” said lifelong fan Raja Oosiar, recalling being carried on his father’s shoulders during the Jays’ 1993 championship parade. “Seeing it as an adult is pretty special.”
Toronto Ready to Rock
The energy downtown is palpable. After Monday’s 4–3 win over Seattle clinched the ALCS, fans flooded the streets around the dome chanting “We’re back, baby!”
Mayor Olivia Chow is adding to the excitement, placing a friendly bet with L.A. Mayor Karen Bass: the losing mayor must cycle through their city wearing the winner’s team jersey.
Even Prime Minister Mark Carney said he tried to reach out to U.S. President Donald Trump for a friendly wager — but, as he joked, “no reply yet.”
Home-Field Advantage and High Stakes
The Jays earned home-field advantage after winning one more game than the Dodgers during the regular season, giving them the first two and, if needed, the final two games in Toronto.
Their opponent is formidable: the Dodgers, led by two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, are making their fifth World Series appearance in nine years and are defending champions.
But Blue Jays manager John Schneider isn’t intimidated.
“I’ve got all the confidence in the world in my guys,” he said. “The Dodgers are beatable.”
Toronto will also get a boost from shortstop Bo Bichette, back from a knee injury just in time for Game 1. Rookie Trey Yesavage, 22, will start for the Jays against veteran Blake Snell, a two-time Cy Young winner.
How Toronto Is Celebrating
For fans who couldn’t snag tickets through the lottery or afford resale prices, there are plenty of ways to join the party.
Nathan Phillips Square: Free public viewing events for all home games with a giant screen, live DJ, trivia, and prizes.
RendezViews: Massive outdoor screenings for Games 1 and 2.
University of Toronto: Campus lawn watch parties open to the public.
Scotiabank Arena: Leafs and Raptors will air World Series games post-match on the big screen.
Toronto Police have announced road closures around Rogers Centre, and the city will offer Bike Share valet service and rideshare pick-up zones to manage the crowds. Mounted police units will also patrol the area for crowd safety.
The Moment Toronto Has Waited For
Three decades after Joe Carter’s iconic walk-off homer sealed the Jays’ last championship, the city once again finds itself united in blue.
“It’s history repeating itself,” said fan Leo Bursui. “We’ve waited 31 years — now it’s time.”
First pitch for Game 1 is at 8 p.m. ET. Expect a citywide roar as the Blue Jays chase glory once again.
