A segment of baseball enthusiasts in Canada does not share affection for the Toronto Blue Jays. Select fans dispersed across the nation have found delight in the Blue Jays’ stumble during the initial two games of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Seattle Mariners.
Carey O’Reilly, a Mariners enthusiast residing in Vancouver, expressed, “I don’t appreciate the constant bombardment of Blue Jays content. Switching channels, it’s always ‘Blue Jays in 30’ this, ‘Blue Jays in 30’ that. I could do without it.”
O’Reilly is part of a group of Mariners fans in British Columbia. For some, their support stems from childhood memories, while others back the team to challenge the notion that Toronto epitomizes all of Canada.
As the series moves to Seattle for Game 3 on Wednesday, B.C.’s Mariners fans, with their team leading 2-0 against the Blue Jays in the best-of-seven ALCS, have much to be enthusiastic about. “I do enjoy the competitiveness of the Blue Jays, as it sparks baseball conversations,” O’Reilly remarked.
Nick Toren, who grew up in Vancouver, initially cheered for both the Blue Jays and Mariners before opting for Seattle as his team. Watching the Mariners thrive in the playoffs has been a unique experience for Toren, offering hope after years of disappointment.
TV rights dynamics have shifted over the years, with the Blue Jays becoming more accessible to viewers nationwide. Despite this, Mariners fans like Mark Stephenson in Victoria continue to support their team passionately, even in the face of opposing fans during games.
The underdog nature of the Mariners, who ended a lengthy postseason drought in 2022 and dominated the AL West this year, appeals to fans like Justin Webster. Despite facing financial constraints, the team’s resilience and character make them endearing to supporters.
For Todd Niel in Summerland, B.C., the allure of watching the Mariners play at the Kingdome in Seattle left a lasting impression. Niel, like many B.C. fans, faces internal conflict amid tensions between Canada and the United States, affecting his decision to attend games across the border.
While Mariners fans are optimistic following a convincing victory in Game 2, doubts linger about the team’s ability to secure their first-ever World Series appearance. Ryan Tompkins from Delta, B.C., remains cautiously optimistic, wary of past disappointments.