The Toronto Blue Jays are in a promising position to clinch the World Series, but the challenge for many families and baseball enthusiasts lies in being able to witness the historic moment.
As Game 6 coincides with Halloween, some parts of the country are bracing for unfavorable weather conditions, potentially complicating festivities as Canada’s sole professional baseball team looks to secure its first championship in over three decades.
Although the World Series has previously coincided with Halloween, the Blue Jays were not contenders in those instances. The team last competed in the World Series in 1993, concluding the series on Oct. 23 with a victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. In 1992, they triumphed against the Atlanta Braves on Oct. 24.
The upcoming Game 6 against the Los Angeles Dodgers kicks off at 8 p.m. ET in Toronto.
Game night versus fright night
Establishments that had planned Halloween events are now adjusting for a potential double celebration.
One such venue is Barbara MacPhee’s sports bar, The Cat’s Cradle Sports and Spirits in Toronto. Known for elaborate Halloween setups and karaoke, MacPhee shared that this year’s festivities had to be rescheduled.
She humorously remarked, “I’m all about Halloween, while my husband is all about sports. Today is like a clash between us.”
MacPhee plans to take her children out for trick-or-treating from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., distribute candies from 7 to 8, and then head to the bar, which she estimates to be a 45-minute drive in traffic.
Following the game, they will return to their spooky activities.
At Joe Kool’s sports bar in London, Ont., owner Mike Smith anticipates a bustling crowd of World Series and Halloween enthusiasts alongside the usual Friday night patrons.
Smith acknowledged the unique scenario of hosting costumed supporters cheering for Toronto, despite the Detroit Tigers’ early exit from the American League Division Series.
“I’m not sure what a Blue Jay Halloween outfit looks like, but it will certainly be an exceptional night compared to others,” he noted.
