Mariners Fans Celebrate ALCS Lead Over Blue Jays in Seattle

Fans of the Seattle Mariners in British Columbia are reveling in their team’s strong start in the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Toronto Blue Jays. With the Mariners leading the best-of-seven series 2-0, enthusiasm is high as the matchup heads to Seattle for Game 3 on October 4, 2023.

Regional Rivalry and Team Loyalty

Not all Canadians support the Toronto Blue Jays. In fact, a dedicated group of Mariners fans across the country is cheering against them. Carey O’Reilly, a Mariners supporter from Vancouver, expressed his frustration with the overwhelming coverage of the Blue Jays on sports networks. “I don’t like having the Jays shoved down my throat 24-7,” he stated. O’Reilly noted that while he enjoys the competitive nature of the series, he prefers to root for his local team.

Many Mariners fans in B.C. share O’Reilly’s sentiments, with some recalling childhood memories that shaped their allegiance. Nick Toren, who grew up in Vancouver, initially supported both teams but eventually embraced the Mariners. “It just felt more like this was my team. It felt closer to home,” he explained. The geographical distance plays a significant role in his loyalty, with Seattle being approximately 200 kilometers away compared to Toronto’s 4,000 kilometers.

Playoff Hopes and Historical Context

The Mariners’ success in the current playoff run brings a sense of hope to fans who have endured nearly 20 years without postseason appearances. Toren described the experience as “weird,” reflecting on the years of disappointment that have characterized the team’s history. “Having your team in it, being invested, counting every pitch, it’s truly special,” he said.

Mark Stephenson, a Mariners fan from Victoria, shared his thoughts on the shift in baseball viewership over the years. He recalled watching Mariners games frequently during his youth, especially those featuring legends like Ken Griffey Jr. “When I was growing up, Mariners were on TV all the time,” Stephenson noted. However, changes in broadcasting rights have made the Blue Jays more accessible to fans across Canada, contributing to their popularity.

Despite being in the minority at local viewing venues, Stephenson proudly wore his Mariners gear while watching Game 2 of the ALCS. “I was probably the only Mariners fan there, so it definitely felt like I was in enemy territory a bit,” he recounted. Yet he appreciated the camaraderie among fans, stating, “Everyone was nice … it was fun to be there.”

The underdog status of the Mariners adds to their appeal. Justin Webster, another fan, highlighted the team’s modest budget and “scrappy, likable players” as reasons for his support. “It’s just really good to cheer for kind of the smaller guys,” he remarked.

Personal Connections and Game Day Experiences

For many fans in B.C., attending games in Seattle is more convenient than flying to Toronto. Todd Niel, a long-time supporter from Summerland, still cherishes memories from his first Mariners game in 1979. He retains memorabilia from that day, including a program and a batting helmet. However, Niel has refrained from attending games this season due to personal convictions about U.S.-Canada relations. “It’s killing me inside, because I want to be there,” he said, expressing his longing for the stadium atmosphere.

Others are seizing the opportunity to support the Mariners during this playoff season. Ryan Tompkins, who lives in Delta, attended Game 5 of the Mariners’ divisional series against the Detroit Tigers. He has also introduced his children to the sport, proudly sharing that they wore jerseys featuring centre fielder Julio Rodriguez. “Now I get to turn my kids into Mariners fans,” he said, emphasizing the importance of family traditions in sports.

As the Mariners gear up for Game 3, confidence is palpable among their supporters. The team’s impressive 10-3 victory in Game 2 has fans optimistic. Nevertheless, some remain cautious. “They’re up 2-0 on the Blue Jays now, but by no means do I have any sort of confidence,” Tompkins admitted. “I’ve been burned too many times.”

With the series still unfolding, Mariners fans in British Columbia are eagerly anticipating the next game, hoping their team can secure a spot in the World Series for the first time in franchise history.