Toronto experienced a magical night on its return to the World Series after 32 years. The Blue Jays thrashed the Dodgers 11-4 in a demonstration of absolute power by their offense, which cashed in big against an almost impregnable pitching staff throughout the postseason. In the midst of the ecstasy of victory, the home fans celebrated to the delirium and did not miss the opportunity to leave a message to Shohei Ohtani.
“We don’t need you!” they repeatedly shouted from the stands as the Japanese entered to take his offensive turn in the ninth inning, with the scoreboard already in favor of the Canadian organization.
What began as a murmur turned into an almost full chorus at Rogers Centre, where more than 44,000 fans were smiling at a victory that is worth its weight in gold. Of the last seven World Series, the winner of the first game has gone on to win the championship six times, a trend the Blue Jays will be looking to maintain in the current Fall Classic.
Ohtani in the eye of the storm
It was to be expected that Toronto fans would show their resentment against Ohtani, considering that their team was one of the finalists to sign the Japanese star in free agency in 2023. However, the pitcher and slugger chose the Dodgers and sowed a feeling of deep disappointment among those who expect his arrival in other cities.
In Toronto in particular, there seems to be a special resentment, as that winter Ohtani visited the franchise’s facilities in Florida, where he was met by manager John Schneider. The manager joked a few hours ago asking the Japanese to return the cap they gave him.
As if that were not enough, it was also rumored that in December 2023 Ohtani took a flight to the Canadian city to sign with the Blue Jays, which turned out to be fake news. Hours later, the player himself announced his deal with the Dodgers, opening a scar that fans have probably managed to close with chants dedicated to the Japanese at the start of the World Series.
Maximum respect from the Blue Jays
Several Toronto players preferred not to go along with the fans at Rogers Centre and conveyed a message of focus on the game, with no hard feelings towards Ohtani. Manager John Schneider, for example, while acknowledging his passion for the energy of the crowd, said he was only focused on getting the third out of the inning and closing out the game.
“It happens in different ways in every stadium. We saw it in the last series in Seattle. We heard it a little bit, but it’s hard to talk about a player like that, to be honest,” said the Blue Jays manager.
I don’t think we need any more or less than we have right now
George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. praised Ohtani’s level and the involvement and support of the fans alike. Ernie Clement appreciated the material that Toronto has right now to fight for the World Series: “We have the guys we have, and the guys we have have done an excellent job. I don’t think we need any more or less than what we have right now.”
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