Key Highlights
- The article discusses strategies for becoming the world’s biggest Toronto Blue Jays fan during the 2025 World Series.
- It highlights the argument against rooting for the Los Angeles Dodgers, citing their dominance in recent years and past controversies.
- A historical context is provided about the near-move of the San Francisco Giants to Toronto in 1976.
- The article emphasizes the symbolic importance of the “three championships in X seasons” achievement for Blue Jays fans.
The Case Against Rooting for the Dodgers
The World Series is upon us, and Grant Brisbee from The Athletic offers advice on how to become the biggest Toronto Blue Jays fan. Despite rooting against a team often being less satisfying than rooting for one, there are strategic reasons to root for the Blue Jays over their archrivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Dodgers’ recent success has been unrelenting, with two World Series wins since 2020 and a third title in sight. Critics might argue that these victories come with asterisks due to the pandemic-shortened season, but as Brisbee points out, this argument is weaker than it seems.
Historical Context: Giants Fans’ Near-Miss
The article delves into historical context by referencing a near-move of the San Francisco Giants to Toronto in 1976. At that time, the team was sold to Toronto interests, and there were plans for a renaming scheme involving Labatt Brewing Company. Carl Hubbell, then in the Giants’ front office, lamented, “It is very sad. The (Bay) area just isn’t big enough for two teams.”
While this move did not materialize, it provides an interesting parallel to current Blue Jays fans, who might have followed a different team had history unfolded differently.
The Symbolism of Three Championships in X Seasons
Brisbee emphasizes the symbolic significance of the Blue Jays winning three consecutive World Series titles. He notes that such an achievement would be even better than the Dodgers’ streaks, particularly as it would pass the Giants’ own “three championships in six seasons” run from 2010 to 2014.
He concludes with a humorous note: “If they win, the only thing you can do is dock them style points for not getting three championships in five seasons, which is empirically better than three in six.”
Conclusion
The Blue Jays’ Potential Triumph
The article ends on a hopeful note, suggesting that if the Blue Jays win the World Series, it will validate their fanbase and their current position as a dominant team. Brisbee acknowledges the pathos of rooting against a former rival but suggests that the joy of victory might outweigh such feelings.
