Blue Jays put on a show in first game back in Toronto
After 670 days away from home, the Toronto Blue Jays finally made their return to Rogers Centre Friday night.
It's been a minute since Canada's team actually played in Canada, but the return proved to be worth the wait as the squad received an extremely touching and celebratory welcome.
The night started with a "welcome back" video that featured a number of fans sharing just how happy they are to have the ball club back in Toronto.
The support we get from YOU is incredible 💙 pic.twitter.com/zwZkzrt3Jp
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 31, 2021
Well if that doesn't get you ready to spend $20-plus on a beer, I don't know what else will.
The celebration continued as members of the Canadian armed forces helped roll out the massive Canadian flag for the national anthem.
We've been waiting for this moment for a very long time 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/mCZS9Lo1ud
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 30, 2021
Following the anthem, Toronto's four MLB all-stars — Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Teoscar Hernandez and Marcus Semien — received the game's first pitches, one of which was tossed by the fan favourite most commonly known as Home Plate Lady.
From our All-Stars to THE All-Stars ⭐️
Thanks to our community All-Stars for throwing tonight's first pitch! pic.twitter.com/zsiKLXIpdz— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 31, 2021
Is it good to see her again or what?
The festivities didn't stop with the pre-game ceremony, however, as Hernandez gave the fans something to cheer about when he smashed a solo home run in the second inning to score the first run at Rogers Centre this season.
We're BACK in the Te Dot 🇨🇦💣 pic.twitter.com/3JhMSbU9mA
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 30, 2021
UPDATE: The Home Run Jacket has made its way home 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/tArNrNpyvp
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 31, 2021
Glad to see the home run jacket touched down in Toronto just fine.
With the Jays up 4-2 in the seventh inning, Bichette joined the party with an opposite-field homer to put Toronto up 6-2.
Going Opp-BO 💣 pic.twitter.com/I1cCkZYkGj
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 31, 2021
A game like this wasn't going to end without some theatrics. With two down in the ninth inning, third baseman Santiago Espinal made a ridiculous bare-handed grab to close this one out.
HANDS DOWN, the BEST way to end a game!
🐐 @santdr13 🐐 pic.twitter.com/TdKqBtOBsD— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 31, 2021
The Blue Jays won the game 6-4, sending 13,446 fans home happy.
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