Toronto Blue Jays fans gear up for possible World Series clincher at home

It’s a Halloween doubleheader fans won’t soon forget, and for the Toronto Blue Jays, a chance to win the World Series at home for the first time since 1993.

Across Ottawa, excitement is building as fans prepare for Game 6. There will be at home viewing parties, bars are expected to be packed, and merchandise is flying off shelves.

At the St. Laurent Shopping Centre, Game On manager Aleigh Underhill says demand for Blue Jays gear has been “very crazy.”

“Everyone wants their Blue Jays merch,” she says. “If you’re not a Blue Jays fan, you are now. We’re already taking orders in case they clinch (the World Series). We’re ready. Fingers crossed they make it.”

For Ottawa resident Zach Neilson, the thrill has brought him to Toronto in person. He’ll be in the stands at Friday night’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

“I’ve never been this excited in my life. I can’t sleep, I feel like I haven’t slept since that 18-inning game,” he says. “Everyone thought we were down and out, and here we are. Two wins later, we’re up 3-2 with a chance to win the World Series.”

Neilson, who attended games one and two in Toronto, says the atmosphere in the city was electric and can only imagine what a win tonight will generate.

“The buzz in the city was like nothing I’ve ever seen before,” he says. “Now there’s the opportunity for somebody to win the World Series on Canadian soil, and it could potentially be a Canadian team. It’s truly something special. It hasn’t happened since ’93.”

When asked if Neilson was willing to share what he paid for the tickets, he chuckled saying, “absolutely not.”

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“But hey, you know, it’s worth it,” he says. “If you can get it and make it happen it’s worth it.”

Even casual fans are getting caught up in the excitement. Cristy Ombac-Orr, shopping at Game On, admits she’s jumping on the bandwagon.

“I’ll join the bandwagon even if it’s late,” she says, after purchasing a Jays jersey and t-shirt. “I’m going to a friend’s house tonight. It’s supposed to be a belated birthday party, but I think it’s going to turn into a watch party. Of course we’re going to take the crown. Go, Jays go!”

Bars are also preparing for a full night of celebration. Steven Schwan, owner of Buster’s Bar & Grill, says he expects a packed house.

“We’ll be at capacity, no doubt in my mind,” he says. “We’ve already got a huge Halloween party going, and we’re going to fill it up with Blue Jays fans. Let’s see what happens. It’s going to be fun.”

The Blue Jays, currently leading the series against the reigning World Series Champion L.A. Dodgers three games to two, have the chance to secure the championship on home turf tonight. A win would mark their first World Series title in 33 years.

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