Opinion: Jays Go Deep

That one stings.

Heartbreaking, gut wrenching, soul crushing … it was all of those things. And it was the type of loss that will linger for a very long time.

We take a look back at a memorable World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays … and the ripple effects felt from coast to coast to coast.

Hatching Jays and Building A Bridge to L.A.

The Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers bring championship pedigrees to their 2025 battle for a World Series title.

The Jays won Major League Baseball’s top prize in 1992 and 1993, while the Dodgers have eight championships, including one from their time in Brooklyn.

There was a time – in the 1980s and 1990s – when Pioneer Baseball League squads from Medicine Hat and Lethbridge contributed to the ultimate success of their parent clubs in Ontario and California.

Hyers Learning

In order to claim a World Series championship, you have to make the right hires.

For the Texas Rangers – who coaxed manager Bruce Bochy out of retirement with impressive results – that included luring Tim Hyers to the Major League Baseball (MLB) organization.

Wing Men

The fingerprints of the Edmonton Trappers were all over the 2002 World Series champion Anaheim Angels.

Learn more about the impact of the Pacific Coast League graduates on the title-winning club …

California Dreamin’

It was a dream ride for Medicine Hat trainer Mike Frostad in Atlanta.

But the Los Angeles Angels made him an offer he couldn’t refuse, and now he’s taking that dream to California.

Soaking It All In

We take a look at the World Series celebrations of Albertans Mike Frostad and Mike Soroka.

Both men helped the Atlanta Braves achieve baseball’s ultimate goal.

The Battered Bouton of Baseball

More than a few baseball players can say they were the author of their own demise.

But in Jim Bouton’s case, it was literally true.

Fortunately, the knuckleball pitcher was also capable of penning a great redemption story … and Calgary played a big role in that comeback.

Bengal Brothers

Ayden Makarus knew he was going to a powerhouse when he joined LSU-Eunice in 2020.

Little did he know, the Bengals’ quest to win their seventh NJCAA Division II championship since 2006 would face hurdles along the way.

With fellow Dawgs Academy grad Jackson Fraser, Makarus finally got to taste a title this spring.

Last Of The Baby Jays

Erik Kratz represents the end of an Alberta era. He is the last active player in Major League Baseball who spent time with the Medicine Hat Blue Jays.

He was part of the last Pioneer League team to come through Athletic Park in 2002.

We caught up with his old manager Rolando Pino to talk about Kratz and his improbable journey to baseball folk hero.

Once Upon A Time

It was a fairytale ending.

After a plucky cast of characters was assembled, they set out on an epic journey. At several points during this obstacle-laden trek, it seemed like all hope was lost and the battle was done.

But every fairytale needs a happy ending. A starry-eyed hero must emerge at just the right time to strike an unexpected and lethal blow to the enemy. A valiant and trusted companion must struggle through adversity to ensure his lovable mates win the fight.

And in the end, a prince and princess must bring new hope to the land.