It took until this morning for the Game 7 hangover to subside. I have to admit, I was in a bit of a dreary mood most of Sunday.

Having decided at the very last minute to take an extra ticket to the Scotiabank Watch Party on Saturday (thank you Ted and Bob), I did a lot of driving and not much sleeping until Sunday night. Don’t worry, I didn’t drive all the way back to Muskoka at 1 a.m.

P.S. To all my peeps in the GTA, this was so last minute, I just acted and got to the arena just in time for the first inning. I didn’t purposefully not text or call.

Right up until the final out, the crowd was buzzing. It probably hasn’t been that loud since 2019.

I had the good fortune of sitting with friends and making new acquaintances with the good guy sitting next to me, who is both a Raptors and TFC season ticket holder. Thanks Marlon for helping make the evening very enjoyable despite the outcome of the game – I’ll look for you the next time I make it to a Raps game, or at TFC next year.

Without going too deep into it all, I’m going to put out some observations below. But, before I do that, I want everyone to really appreciate the fantastic season and unexpected World Series appearance by Canada’s favourite baseball team.

Thank you Blue Jays for a whole bunch of excitement, unity, and memories.

Nine thoughts and observations from Game 7.

1. That dude who “threw back” the game-winning home run should be kicking himself right now. Immediately myself and Marlon looked at each other and thought the same thing: If the Jays are going to lose, at least keep that ball and make money off of it. Some Dodgers fan would have shelled out thousands for that ball. Seriously, what were you thinking?
2. Despite the immediate shock of a loss that seemed for so long to be a win, the fans in attendance gave an appreciative cheer for the Jays. As well, there was a hearty “Let’s Go Blue Jays” chant as we were leaving the arena. Well done Jays fans, well done.
3. I feel bad for all the people who spent thousands of dollars to see Game 7 live. It’s past time to cap both how much higher than face value you can sell a ticket for (max double) and how much in fees Ticketmaster can charge. They should only be allowed a small percentage charged to the seller, not double dipping and charging both the seller and the buyer.
4. Kudos to the Scotiabank security for breaking up a weird scuffle a few rows below us and promptly kicking out the offending parties. They recognized the situation and acted before any serious injury could occur. Props to the one guard who came back and spoke to a family who was sitting right beside the situation: despite it not being his fault, he apologized and made sure the kids were okay.
5. I must say, the Watch Party was well done. There wasn’t a bad seat in the house and the energy in the arena was wonderful. There was even a Grady Dick sighting. Good job by you Andrew for spotting him. Even better was that Andrew was wearing a Grady Dick Raptors jersey (and a Blue Jays cap). Some things are just meant to happen.
6. As I mentioned to everyone sitting around me, when the score was still 4-3 Blue Jays, that this was one of the Top 3 all time World Series no matter the outcome. I stand by that statement. It may even be number-1 and certainly Alex Rodriguez seemed to think so as he said that was the best World Series he ever saw on the postgame show.
7. From the fifth inning onwards, we kept saying “we need another run, maybe even two.” The idea that this stacked Dodgers team, who are now back-to-back champions, would find more runs was not lost on anyone who knows sports.
8. It’s been said before, but there is nothing to hate about the Dodgers team. They have good baseball players with good personalities. If the Jays had to lose, at least it was to a team we all agree we can respect and even like a little (when they’re playing everyone else).
9. I’m a year and a few months away from 50. I still remember the celebrations downtown after the ’92 and ’93 titles. Immediately after the game, I thought to myself, I’m really hoping these Jays keep the nucleus together and add a couple arms in 2026. They have the talent, they have the experience, and they can make another run next year.