Toronto Blue Jays fever has swept across Canada — including here in the Okanagan — as the country’s only Major League Baseball team competes in the World Series for the first time in 32 years.

The Blue Jays captured back-to-back championships in 1992 and 1993 but haven’t returned to the World Series since.

Expectations for the 2025 season were modest following a disastrous 2024 campaign, when the Jays won just 74 of 162 games and finished last in the American League East. But, as often happens in sports, this underdog squad has defied all predictions — winning their division, knocking off their arch-rival New York Yankees in the opening playoff round, and then defeating the West Division champion Seattle Mariners in a thrilling seven-game series to punch their ticket to the World Series.

Blue Jays fever intensified nationwide after Toronto crushed the Los Angeles Dodgers 11–4 in Game 1. The Dodgers bounced back to even the series, taking Game 2 with two late home runs to win 3–1.

Monday’s Game 3 turned into an instant classic — an almost seven-hour, 18-inning battle of attrition — ending when the Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman homered to give L.A. a 6–5 victory and a 2–1 series lead.

Game 5 is set for tonight (Wednesday), with the Jays facing possible elimination depending on Tuesday’s Game 4 result in Los Angeles.

Local Fans Catch the Fever

Forty-five minutes before first pitch Monday afternoon, the Herald dropped by the Copper Mug Pub, where fans gathered to cheer on Canada’s team.

From Osoyoos up to Vernon, the scene was identical across the Okanagan.

The Okanagan has embraced the Jays.

Good friends Tim Brewer and Grant Prestholvd were celebrating Brewer’s birthday — and couldn’t think of a better way to spend it than watching the Jays continue their magical playoff run.

“About halfway through the season, even though I wasn’t expecting much — like a lot of people — you could tell something was changing,” said Brewer. “They started to look like one of the best teams in baseball. I’m not a massive baseball fan, but once I started watching more games, I couldn’t stop. They’ve been incredible.”

Brewer admitted baseball isn’t his favourite sport, but he hasn’t missed a single Jays game in over a month.

“It’s been amazing,” he said. “They’re winning, but they’re also a team you can really love. Every guy contributes — they don’t rely on just a few stars. You can tell they play for each other, and as a fan, that really means something.”

When veteran outfielder George Springer hit a three-run homer to seal Toronto’s Game 7 win over Seattle, Brewer said his reaction was anything but quiet.

“I yelled so loud, I honestly thought the cops might show up,” he laughed.

Brewer believes the Jays have a real shot against the heavily favoured Dodgers — especially if they can steal a game in L.A. and bring the series back to Toronto for Games 6 and 7.

“I’m hoping they can get back to Toronto and feed off those crazy fans,” he said. “If they do, they’ve got a great shot to win it all.”

Team Spirit and National Pride

Prestholvd, a longtime baseball fan, said this year’s playoff run has been one of the most exciting he’s seen.

“The regular season can drag on, but playoff baseball is fantastic — and this Jays team has been incredible,” he said. “When they beat the Yankees seven straight at home midseason, that’s when I knew this team was special.”

He said the team’s chemistry is what’s won over fans nationwide.

“They play for each other, not just for themselves,” he said. “They don’t need a roster full of superstars — everyone contributes. They’re having fun, and that makes it fun for us, too.”

Prestholvd predicted the series could hinge on bullpen performance.

“I think it’ll come down to which bullpen holds up late in games,” he said. “It’s that close.”

Sports, he added, has a rare ability to unite Canadians.

“What this team has done has brought people together,” he said. “It’s been an incredible run — hopefully they can finish the job.”

A Boost for Local Businesses

Fellow fan Spencer Small said he’s also caught the fever.

“I haven’t watched much baseball in years,” he admitted. “But once the Jays made the playoffs, I was hooked. I haven’t missed a game.”

He echoed what many fans are saying — this team is fun to watch because they play as a true unit.

“They work so well together,” he said. “Every player steps up when needed.”

Copper Mug assistant manager Nicole Dalrymple said the Blue Jays’ success has been great for business.

“We’ve been packed for every playoff game,” she said. “It’s definitely helped. People are so excited — and we’re all hoping the run continues.”