Like so many Canadians, I needed a few days, more like a week, to get over the loss of the Toronto Blue Jays to the LA Dodgers in the World Series. It was heartbreaking!! But what a season they gave us!!! A whirlwind of home runs, comebacks, and nail-biters. Some games we jumped out of our chairs. Other times, we sat on the edge of our seats, praying they could just make one more run. We, as a country, enjoyed every single one of them!
Yelling at the screen at Coach John Schneider's in-game decisions was commonplace. Soon enough, we realized he knew more than us what was needed and who could carry it off...sorry about that John...and we relaxed, confident in his leadership. He defended his players fully, gave them chances to shine, and thanked the fans constantly for their support.
The big guys stepped up as always. Vladdy caught balls he shouldn't have been able to. He ran faster, threw harder, and slid better than we ever could have dreamed of. Even when he was injured, he was the loudest supporter from the sidelines. George Springer and his Whalers batting gloves hit a Canada Day grand slam that will be replayed every July 1 for decades to come! He played with unmatched skill, even while injured, throughout the entire season. Leading by example all the way.
Clement, Varsho, Schneider, and Lukas were outstanding!! Out-freaking-standing!!! Nathan Lukas made the most of his big league shot after twelve years in the minor,s ending the season batting in the second spot and starting every game. Clement hit the ball so often that he set an MLB record, getting 30 hits in one postseason! And his sliding! Legendary. Davis Schneider did whatever was asked of him. He pinch hit, he stole bases, he showed up! Dalton Varsho spent some time on the injured list, but when he came back, look out. He is so good at every aspect of the game and made catches that would have been impossible for anyone else.
Barger, France, IKF, Gimenez, Heineman, Loperfido, Straw...all played outstanding! Showing us all that being part of a team is about doing what is needed as a group, not as an individual. Come on, Gimenez drove in Ernie, IKF ran his heart out, and Barger hit a grand slam! Talk about contributing!
The pitching staff...what can you say? Gausman was Gausman. Max Scherzer was intense. Bieber got the job done. Trey Yesavage blew us out of our seats! And the bullpen was outstanding!!! We could not have asked for anything more from them.
Last but certainly not least, my favorite, catcher Alejandro Kirk. His bat was on fire. He picked off runners effortlessly. He called the games with a skill most catchers only dream of. All while being criticized for not looking like a professional athlete. They are right, he isn't a fast runner and has the build of a beer-league catcher. But he is a natural. Perhaps that's why he is my favorite. He shut up his critics by playing better than anyone. Besides, how fast do you really need to run when you are hitting home runs most of the time? Or to the warning track? Exactly.
They didn't win the big prize. However, they did win the hearts of this country. Pulling us together in a way only sports can. We showed our pride in them, ourselves, and our country. That is something we will always be grateful for.
Thank you Toronto Blue Jays!!! It was one hell of a ride.
Ang
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