November 3, 2025Monday, November 3, 2025

Just a thought… I’ve been crying, for like probably for an hour. I thought I was done with the tears, but I just love these guys so much. I was having so much fun coming to work every day and battling with these guys. We have so much to be proud of, even though it didn’t go our way. [Toronto Blue Jay Ernie Clement]

What a weekend! Hearts racing, then breaking; tears of joy and regret for what might have, what should have been. Most of all there were memories of the loved ones who would also have enjoyed this incredible season-long ride, those who are no longer with us but always within us.

Baseball brings together families (as I texted my sister on her Australia trip with frequent updates) and an entire country. I lost count of how many Americans filled my feeds with well-wishes. It was a ride no one wanted to come to a stop, never mind the way in which it did.

To happier memories, this season reminded me of prior glory years back in the early 90s (as it did so many others) but I want to tell you about a little tradition Rob and I had to keep us going through the long cold lonely winter until Spring Training.

We would record (yes on VHS tape back then) a great game from the season that was. Then in January or so, we’d have a bunch of people over for a Jays Watch Party. We’d make hotdogs and serve popcorn, lots of beer and pop and other fun concession-style stuff. Together we’d watch one of the best games of the year.

There was one year that we recorded a close loss, just because we wanted to shake it up a bit, if memory serves. Or maybe we just considered doing that. Honestly, 30+ years is a lifetime ago. But maybe when Sportsnet is rerunning the series – as they undoubtedly will – you might think about doing the same in the months ahead. Get people to wear their Jays’ gear and come for a party. I mean, why not, right? Even a New Year’s Eve gathering!

As we all prepare to donate for a poppy and wear one after another after another (unless you use one of the great hacks out there to keep them in place) I wish you a terrific week.

Also, a huge Thank You again if you shared some time on my Blue Jays watch parties, from the start of the playoffs to Saturday’s bitter end, on Facebook. It helped make this incredible run of 2025 even more memorable, as togetherness always does.