A palpable energy surged through Rogers Centre hours before the first pitch of Game 7. For many fans, the 2025 season had already exceeded all expectations, regardless of the final outcome. The air crackled with a hopeful anticipation rarely felt in recent years.
Josh Carlson made the long drive from Rochester, New York, with a friend, admitting he’d started the season with little faith. Now, standing on the concourse, he marveled at the improbable journey. “Pretty much no expectations,” he recalled, “and now we’re here, in Game 7 of the World Series.”
Jared Roth, who shared a baseball past with Blue Jays third baseman Ernie Clement, echoed the sentiment. He’d watched from across Lake Ontario as this year’s team, a remarkable 49 times a comeback squad, consistently defied odds. The team’s resilience had become a beacon of hope.
“Seeing them rally all year, then beating the Yankees and clawing back from down 2-0 against Seattle… it was incredible,” Roth said. Carlson added, “They just came together at the right time. This roster didn’t scream ‘World Series’ at the start, but here we are. It’s a great story.”
Leah Hardy, a resident of Cambridge, Ontario, spoke of a unique camaraderie among the players. It wasn’t just about wins and losses; it was about the visible connection on the field. “It’s not like anything we’ve seen in years,” she observed, “and it’s been exciting to watch. However it finishes, I’m so happy to be here.”
Her husband, Eamonn, remembered the excitement of the 1992-93 championship runs, a distant memory from his childhood. “That’s what got me into baseball,” he said, “it was always a big part of our household.” The current team was rekindling that passion.
Manager John Schneider paused before the game, reflecting on the team’s transformation. He emphasized it wasn’t just about the win-loss record, but *how* they achieved success. “We raised the standards and expectations of this organization a hell of a lot this year,” he stated.
Thirty-two years earlier, Paul Butler had witnessed Joe Carter’s legendary home run from the 200-level seats with his young son. He hadn’t been a regular visitor to the ballpark this summer, but the 2025 team had drawn him back for this decisive game.
“Any sports team is about being a team,” Butler explained. “These guys embody that. You can see it every night. They have each other’s backs, and there’s a lot to be said for a team that can operate that way.” He saw a selfless unity that resonated deeply.
His son, Rick, admitted he hadn’t followed the team closely at the beginning of the season, even through difficult years. But the team’s turnaround had captivated him. “They turned it around and turned into something pretty amazing. It was cool to watch unfold.”
“And we’re here at Game 7 of the World Series—how cool is that?” Butler beamed, encapsulating the collective excitement. He believed, as many did, that on any given night, anything was possible.
