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 confessed, “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 this team, a league leader in comeback victories, consistently defy the odds from his home across Lake Ontario. The resilience of the 2025 Blue Jays had been captivating.
“Seeing them rally all year, then beating the Yankees and coming back from down 2-0 against Seattle… it was incredible,” Roth recalled. Carlson added, “They proved there’s nothing they can’t overcome. They came together at the perfect time. This roster didn’t scream ‘World Series’ at the start, but here we are.”
Beyond the wins and losses, fans spoke of a unique team spirit. Leah Hardy, from Cambridge, Ontario, observed a camaraderie among the players that hadn’t been seen in years. “It’s exciting to watch,” she said, “They really get along, and it shows on the field. However it finishes, I’m 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 transformation of the organization. He emphasized it wasn’t just about the win-loss record, but *how* they achieved success. “We raised the standards and expectations 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. Though he hadn’t been a regular visitor this season, the 2025 team had drawn him back for this pivotal Game 7.
“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. They set aside egos and just try to win.” His son, Rick, added, “I didn’t even watch at the beginning of the year, but they turned it around into something amazing.”
Rick continued, “It was cool to watch them come together. I don’t know what changed, but something did.” His father, beaming, finished the thought: “And we’re here at Game 7 of the World Series—how cool is that? Any team can win on any given night.”
