Seattle – Beautiful blue sky morning Pacific Northwest Charlie Montoyo in the west breathed in more than fresh air, one of the best places on a Major League Baseball tour.
Of course, the Blue Jays manager was exhaling for five consecutive losses the afternoon before in Auckland. It was an unbearable emotional week for his team.
But Montoyo and the rest of Jaze were looking forward to a true return to their hometown, far away from home for the first time in three years.
"My favorite thing is to walk to the stadium and meet Toronto fans," Montoyo said every time the Canadian team hit. He talked about the special scene that unfolds. City. "It's pretty cool. For those who haven't seen it, it's going to be wild. They'll feel like they're playing at home.
" It's a beautiful sight and we're looking forward to it. "
On weekends, a Canadian baseball game will be played by Saturday night, T-Mobile. For sale at the park, the majority of fans are in western Canada.
By car from Vancouver and by plane from Calgary and Edmonton, you'll reach dozens of places in between. They drink beer, fill restaurants and roam one of the coolest summer cities in North America.
And when the gates open for each of the four dates with the Mariners, the Blue Jays sea almost literally hits the spot and gives you a glimpse of the stars. I've come to admire it from afar, but now I can meet in person.
Many of the current Jaze rosters have only been heard anecdotally and in video, but those who tasted them are still swayed by the magic of the moment.
"Playing with this team is a unique experience in this game," said Cavan Biggio, a Jaze utility man who experienced this phenomenon in 2019. I am saying. "This weekend shows it again and I'm very excited about it.
" It's very special and very Unique. No other team has the opportunity to do that. "
Jaze's weekend-to-coast attraction, backed by a television rating, until they really live it. A temporary baseball player, although his popularity is not always appreciated. However, Visio has a special appreciation for the team's reach from both their visit here in 2019 and their cross-country promotional tours, including a stop at Calgary.
"I think the cool thing about it is that aren't just casual fans, they're as enthusiastic as they are in Toronto. "Vizio said. "When I went to Calgary, the fans talked to me, and it was about something very specific, and this was almost on the other side of the country.
"It gives you the feeling that there is a whole country behind you. There are fans all over the country and our love for us as players is special."
That feeling can be special this weekend, especially on Fridays and Saturdays when the street parties in Seattle in western Canada are in full swing.
As Montoyo points out, the popular Pike Place Market is full of J's fans, with a pit stop in Seattle's vibrant craft beer scene. When I went for a walk on Thursday morning, the early waves of blue had already been proven.
And given that the final true version of this celebration of Canada's only Major League Baseball team took place before 2019, some extra to the party You can be assured that you have life.
"It should be a little crazy than when I was there last time," said Bo Bichette, who liked Visio three years ago. "But it was in the middle of the 95-defeat season, before Jaze took a big building step towards the fight.
" Exciting It's great to have such support on the road. It's nice to experience it again. "
Thursday night to add to the festival Here are some interesting baseball stories that take place in the ongoing four-game set.
For Starters – Who is Jaze's Starter? The opening round (although I'm hoping Casey Lawrence will get a call on a recent call) and Sunday's TBA.
In the meantime, it looks like an interesting pitching duel between Jaze's current ace Alekmanoa on Saturday and Robbie Ray, who won the American League Cy Young Award last year. increase. While in Toronto.
Then there is the fact that Jaze needs to regain the form of victory after a recent rough patch. With a record of 45-38, Toronto is currently in third place in the AL wildcard race, surpassing four games in the Mariners.
You don't need to major in math to know what a series sweep by the host means.
Of course, winning the home team from a distance is desirable, but for the players and fairly passionate groups that make up the far-flung components of the fan base, the experience is next. It looks like. No other professional sport in North America.
"We belong to this organization and have a unique opportunity to play for this country," Bichette said. "When I was there, it was probably a 70 percent Blue Jays fan. It definitely feels like a home game and gives you more energy."
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