It’s been 21 seasons and counting since the Toronto Blue Jays, Canada’s sole entrant in Major League Baseball’s World Series sweepstakes, have given their fans something real–really real–to cheer about: a World Series victory.
The Jays have never really come all that close since winning back-to-back titles in 1992 and 1993.
But by their nature baseball fans are an optimistic lot. They and their ballclub are back for another kick at the can with hopes high that this will finally be the year.
Of course, the same kind of optimist exits in the great majority of cities where Major League Baseball is played.
Certainly that optimism exists in the cities of Toronto’s America League East division rivals, Boston, Baltimore, New York and Tampa Bay.
Where do we stand at the moment? It’s kind of a mixed emotional bag.
Pessimists would say the Jays, at 8-and-7, are just one game above .500 with a lot of questionable pitching.
Optimists would counter, “Hey, we’re just a game and a half out of first place in the division and if the second wildcard game were to be played today, the Jays would be there. We’ve got some serious bats in the lineup and how about that defence the team is playing?”
So what happens now?
When asked a similar question, former pitcher Joaquin Andujar replied in concise fashion: “One word answer: ‘YouNeverKnow.”‘
Over the next six months we’ll find out. The Jays have six rookies on their club. That can make for a lot of mistakes.
They also have four Canadians, an all-time high for a single team.
Should circumstances dictate, all those Canadians could all appear in the lineup at the same time. So, the Jays are certain of setting at least one MLB record.
The great thing about baseball is that is follows nature’s path. It runs from spring to fall and fans get to watch their players virtually every night.
This year’s players appear to be well worth watching. But, of course, baseball fans say that about their home team where ever it is.
Another thing about baseball: It makes for good writing. One of the best in Canada is the Toronto Star’s Richard Griffin.
For some analysis on how good or bad this Toronto team is and how far it might go, we asked Griffin to join us.
He spoke to RCI from his home in Toronto.
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