Finally, after an exciting six months, Blue Jays fans have a voice
TORONTO: Even if the Blue Jays are no longer in Toronto, the past six months have been quite the journey. It has been more than five months since the team last played at home.
Take a look at this partial retrospective of the events that have transpired since the Blue Jays’ regular season finale on October 1 at Rogers Centre, where they were defeated 12-8 by the Rays in front of 42,058 fans:
• Toronto scores only one run in the whole series as the Twins defeat the Blue Jays in the Wild Card round. Following three productive innings, José Berríos was lifted, a contentious decision that dominated the headlines.
Days later, General Manager Ross Atkins told the media that Schneider made the choice to bench Berríos. “I was taken aback.”
• Matt Chapman, Whit Merrifield, Jordan Hicks, Hyun Jin Ryu, and Brandon Belt depart via free agency.
• Shohei Ohtani signs with the Dodgers after a thorough organisational effort to sign him that included a private tour of the Blue Jays’ training facility in Dunedin, Florida. However, Blue Jays supporters had their hopes dashed by false media reports regarding Ohtani’s future plans.
• The Blue Jays sign free agents Joey Votto, Yariel Rodriguez, Justin Turner, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Kevin Kiermaier.
• The first ten games of the 2024 regular season are away as Rogers Centre renovations are completed, after spring training in Dunedin, Florida. The club struggles offensively and ends up with a 4-6 record, sharing one series and losing two.
Since the squad hasn’t played a home game, that is a lot. In light of this, Monday’s home opener has greater significance than usual. Beyond the spectacle, supporters have been waiting a long time to have their voices heard.
