High marks for the first Canadian World Series broadcast

Contents of the article

This really only applies to Jays fans 37 and older, but there's something very different about this third trip to the World Series in Blue Jays history.

Contents of the article

Contents of the article

Contents of the article

In both 1992 and 1993, when the Jays first made it this far, the idea of ​​a Canadian network getting its own broadcast was simply unthinkable. But as of 2022, Sportsnet has its own playoff coverage, increasing the odds that the current situation will happen with the familiar voices of play-by-play man Dan Schulman and color analyst Buck Martinez, not to mention supporting players in the secondary Hazel May, who may be the most popular of the entire team, and Caleb Joseph, who brings you the game. Of course, there's always the option of switching to Fox and taking on the challenge of Joe Davis and longtime Braves pitcher John Smoltz.

But with all due respect to these polished and professional broadcasters, and yes, Smoltz, despite his former status as a player, is both, why would anyone in the local market pay attention to people less familiar with their team when they have the opportunity to listen to a gentleman who has been with his club for most of the season.

Contents of the article

Contents of the article

This is not a slight towards any of the Fox networks, but merely a nod to what is undoubtedly a greater knowledge of the players they cover.

Dan, Buck, Hazel and Caleb simply know the Blue Jays better than anyone, no matter how much research they want to cram into the four or five days they had to cram.

WHAT DO WE GET FROM THE SPORTSNET TEAM THAT FOX CAN'T PROVIDE?

In a word, context. When the Jays' comeback began, Shulman and Martinez were quick to point out that this was exactly what this team was used to.

As that nine-run inning played out, Schulman said, “That's who they are. That's who they were.”

HOW ELSE WERE THEY DIFFERENT

Buck and Dan were quick to point out how little young starter Trey Yesavage threw. It was a clear sign that Yesavage, who leans heavily on this splitter, was not himself, and the Jays would have to win this game with their bats, unlike some of Yesavage's previous starts where the youngest player in this World Series completely dominated opposing lineups.

Contents of the article

But the first game was different, and the local broadcast team brought it to the fore faster than anyone else.

BIG DADDY'S LOVE FOR Guerrero Is Contagious

From a pregame perspective, perhaps the most interesting exchange occurred on FOX's pregame and postgame panel of experts, which includes David Ortiz, Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter. All three were asked if they thought Guerrero Jr. would continue his dominance in the ALCS and ALDS into the World Series.

To no one's surprise, Ortiz, perhaps Guerrero's biggest fan, was quick to enthusiastically agree with the idea that Guerrero Jr. would pick up where he left off in the World Series. The big surprise was that both Jeter and Rodriguez were equally quick to jump on Vladdy's bandwagon. Jeter, who admitted he never watched Guerrero beyond the highlights, called him a typical complete player, noting that the Toronto first baseman only swung and missed 11 pitches all postseason. Rodriguez then joined his two panelists in praising everything about Guerrero, but ended with the fact that he believes Guerrero's rotation is drought-proof. High marks from three respected voices in the game.

Contents of the article

AGAIN FOR THE PEOPLE ON THE BACK… WHERE DO ALL THE BEST STORIES COME FROM?

Well, of course, they come from the fights in the locker room after the game. As exciting as on-field interviews can be in certain situations, or even as educational as podium interviews can be at times, the locker room truly is a goldmine for the best stories. Case in point: Davis Schneider's report that grand slam hero Addison Barger slept the night before entering the World Series record books by hitting the first and only grand slam home run in series history on Schneider's hotel room sleeper couch. Apparently the cute swinging newbie gave up his family bed in town for a game and needed a place to stay. Schneider didn't hesitate to offer what he had, which was the 2025 Blue Jays, which probably deserved to start this article.

WHAT THE FANS chanted IN THE NINE

Again, give Schulman and Martinez credit for acknowledging the “We don't need you” chants at Shohei Ohtani's alleged flirtation with the Jays before he signed in Los Angeles and just before he hit a two-run homer in the ninth. This may not be typical Canadian behavior, but it could be the catalyst for a global unicorn and viewers should be informed.

Contents of the article