On 20 October, the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Seattle Mariners in a thrilling seven-game American League Championship Series (4-3), advancing to the World Series for the first time in almost 32 years (with their last appearance (and win!) dating back to 1993). Blue Jays fans everywhere were eager and excited, believing that this could finally be the year where Toronto reclaimed the title of baseball’s World Champions.

All across Toronto, the energy was impossible to ignore. TTC buses and streetcars drove through the city with signs cheering “Go Jays!”, while crowds were filled with blue jerseys and hats. Businesses joined in too —local restaurants hosted special promotions, pubs held watch parties, and even Tim Hortons had special-edition coffee cup designs.

Game 1 of the World Series was held at the Rogers Centre in downtown Toronto, and the Blue Jays did not disappoint. They won the game with a score of 11-4 against the defending champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers—a strong start to the series, making fans proud.

Unfortunately, it did not last long. Toronto lost the next two games, with a 5-1 loss in Game 2 and an upsetting 6-5 loss in an 18-inning Game 3. This gave the Dodgers a 2-1 lead in the series, much to the disappointment of Blue Jays fans.

However, the Blue Jays did not back down. They won with a solid 6-2 score in Game 4, and kept the momentum going with a 6-1 win in Game 5. Toronto was once again leading the series 3-2, only one win away from the World Series title.

Finally, the day of Game 6 arrived, and the halls of Marc Garneau were filled with blue clothing for Blue Jays Spirit Day. Students and teachers alike buzzed with excitement, in the hopes that the Jays would secure the World Series title. All eyes were on the Blue Jays that night as they played against the Dodgers, hoping to end the series early with a win. Sadly, this was not the case. The Blue Jays lost this game 3-1, making the overall series even at three wins apiece. Everyone was tense—the winner of the next game would be the World Series champions.

The next day, the final game of the series took place. Over 51 million people watched the game across Canada, the United States and Japan. The Blue Jays started strong, leading the game 3-0. However, the Dodgers soon caught up. By the ninth inning, both teams were tied. The game went to extra innings, yet neither team managed to earn another run in the 10th inning. Finally, in the 11th inning, the Dodgers hit a home run, ultimately leading to a heartbreaking loss for Toronto (5-4).

Although the Blue Jays couldn’t bring home the championship title, their journey to the very brink of the World Series was one that brought fans together, especially here at Marc Garneau.

“I think that’s what was great about this run,” said Grade 12 Student Swapnil Kabir. “How people like me who weren’t watching the Jays or baseball at all beforehand were able to get involved. It was very much a uniting force for the city, country even. Past that, my hope as a sports fan is that our city’s teams can stay successful, and that we can compete to win titles in all the big leagues.”

Though the Jays didn’t win this time, their determination and perseverance have given fans, including the ones at Marc Garneau, confidence in another strong season next year.