Toronto Blue Jays kick off highly-anticipated season

TORONTO – There was no escaping the onslaught of hype in Toronto on Tuesday as the Toronto Blue Jays kicked off their much-anticipated 2013 season against the Cleveland Indians.

After a wild off-season of major trades and big-name signings, the Blue Jays appear poised to become a contender again in the American League East.

With stars like R.A. Dickey, Jose Reyes and Josh Johnson joining a team anchored by sluggers Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion, many Toronto fans are convinced the Blue Jays will finally make their long-awaited return to the post-season.

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A sellout crowd of 48,857 took in the action but most fans went home unhappy after the Blue Jays dropped a 4-1 decision.

Still, others remain optimistic.

“Honestly, I’m just proud to be here. It’s just a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Despite the outcome of the game, I still had a really good time,” one fan told 680News.

Another fan was in awe over the national anthem performance by Danielle Wade of Mirvish’s the Wizard of Oz.

“It pretty much gave me goosebumps. It was awesome to see that huge, gigantic flag and everyone just singing the national anthem — felt Canadian pride for sure.”

Like other Toronto baseball fans, this fan is hoping the Blue Jays will win the World Series.

The Blue Jays haven’t been to the playoffs since winning the World Series in 1993.

“I was born the year after that so kind of a jinx according to my dad,” she said.

“I’m hoping this year will change that.”

Premier Kathleen Wynne also took in the game with two Grade 9 students from Windfields Junior High School in her Toronto riding.

“It actually is my first home opener,” she told 680News during the game. “It’s exciting to be here.”

“It’s going to be a great season.”

There was a strut in the step of many fans as they piled into Rogers Centre before the game. Many were clad in blue-and-white jerseys while others waved flags and chanted “Go Jays Go.”

“I’m looking forward to at least a playoff run,” Bavaro said. “I think in the past couple years, we’ve gotten close and we’ve had promising young stars. I think this year we’ve covered every aspect.

“We’re above average in every category. I think we’re going to make it happen this year.”

It wasn’t exactly baseball weather outside. Temperatures hovered near the freezing mark and stiff winds made it feel much colder.

It was quite comfortable inside the domed stadium.

Toronto finished fourth in the American League East last season with a 73-89 record. The team’s payroll rose significantly in the off-season and is now over the US$122-million mark.

The big spending and roster changes have fans dreaming of October baseball.

“The last time they won was ’93 and I was born in ’94, so I haven’t even seen any of that,” Bavaro said. “Ever since I started getting into baseball I’ve been hoping for it and getting more and more excited every year.”

“I think this is finally the year where they’re going to push as hard as they can.”

His friend, Luke Fiore of Newmarket, Ont., was also hoping for big things.

“I think they’re going to win the pennant,” he said. “They’re going to have three or four all-stars on the team, maybe even (win) a Cy Young — I’m thinking about R.A. Dickey, Brandon Morrow or Josh Johnson.

“They’re not going to surprise everyone but they’re going to meet everyone’s expectations.”

The Blue Jays will play two more games against the Indians before hosting the Boston Red Sox for three games over the weekend.

Blue Jays fans react to home opener loss

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