The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. This neat maxim has been used for years to explain sports outcomes.
This polarized expression, nonetheless, illustrates fan reactions to events akin to The Blue Jays' World Series lossignores the complex emotional terrain of fandom and fails to acknowledge the psychosocial forces at work.
So, why are so many Canadians so deeply invested within the Blue Jays?
Fans thrive Parasocial relationships With players, teams and even broadcasters — the consumption of emotion surrounding Jays announcer Buck Martinez is palpable. The Cancer Journey – Through repeated media exposure.
Over time, these constant encounters foster a way of familiarity and emotional closeness, as if an actual personal relationship exists. In a way, it is sensible: Over the course of a protracted season, many Blue Jays fans watch and listen. Slugger George Springer From a few of his real life friends.
Personal pain
So the Jays' losses feel personal — and so, too, does the team's success. This relationship is captured by an idea referred to as bridging. Basking in reflective glory – When fans feel a way of non-public triumph when their team does well, as if that's where Fates is rooted.
This trend was clearly illustrated within the 2024 A&W promotion – “Blue Jays Win, You Win” – He offered free or discounted meals after each victory, literally tying the team's success to the fans' rewards.
Of course, the other can be true. When the Jays fall short, fans feel lacerated. The more essential the sport, the deeper the cut. Given that emotional investment, it's not surprising that Blue Jays fans felt a bundle of nerves heading into Game 7 and were devastated because of this.
The nature of the Game 7 loss further inflamed emotions. There were opportunities to increase the lead that were maddeningly unrealistic, impressive relievers hitting home runs to dodge low lights, closers within the outfield that would have plated a vital run with an outfielder's glove, and a play at home plate that resulted in a frame-by-frame evaluation essential to find out the final result.
Canadians consider this description as “sudden death” as a hockey term, but there's no denying that Game 7 created a deep sense of loss not only in Toronto, but across the country.
In sports circles, the late-inning events resembled a funeral for Jays fans. Finality and closure were symbolized by the ultimate out. The lack of normality and community created a void and disconnection for fans. Amidst the triumphant optimism were feelings of mourning a dream because the team fell just wanting the last word goal of an eventual World Series. And now there's an unknown future that brings with it the anxiety of not knowing which players will return, and fewer of grasping those opportunities.
Players and fans must navigate and communicate through loss. tears On the field and in the clubhouse Mirrored those within the stands and living rooms Across the countrya stark reminder that fandom is as much about emotional commitment because the scoreboard.
The Canadian Press/Ethan Cairns
Haunted by Maple Leaves
Of course, Blue Jays fandom isn't exactly welcome — especially for those in Ontario. Many of the club's loyal supporters are equally captivated with the Toronto Maple Leafs, who haven't won a Stanley Cup since 1967.
The hockey club has proverbially put the fan base through a protracted period of disorganization, The unforgivable fall And controversial Playoff beat.
The fragility of this fan base is palpable—excited in anticipation, but additionally prepared for Doom due to its recurring presence. Toronto sports fans aren't used to Fortune picking favorites. That's why moments like Joe Carter's World Series home run in 1993 or Kohi Leonard The buzzer-beater baseline jumper has been immortalized within the 2019 NBA Playoffs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojm9nvvigya
They're going out, those precious times when the fanbase eschews the scythe of a serious rapper and embraces more of the glory.
The fragility of those victories elevates them to legendary moments—reminders that even in sports history crammed with heartbreak, there's a glimmer of transcendent joy that justifies a fan's emotional investment.
The five stages of grief
Sports fans are nothing if not resilient, and Blue Jays fans are working their way through the five stages of grief. Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance.
What likely hastened the method and softened the blow for some is the undeniable fact that the Blue Jays weren't expected to challenge for the World Series in 2025 in any respect. The club is over Last in its distribution in 2024 And took the baseball world by surprise.
The Canadian Press/Ethan Cairns
This process known as framing and describes how people interpret and provides intending to events. This is the lens. So as an alternative of specializing in the pain of Game 7, die-hard fans deal with the team's growth, memorable moments and optimism next season.
Naturally, nothing is guaranteed in baseball and a return to the Blue Jays World Series in 2026 would require personnel, performance, health and luck to succeed. is essential Fans, meanwhile, will use the offseason to emotionally brace themselves for, potentially, one other wild ride. Spring, in spite of everything, is a season of hope when anything seems possible.