Sunday 21 July 2013

Toronto Blue Jays 3, Tampa Rays 4

Gord and I went to the Blue Jays ball game this afternoon ... they were playing the Tampa Rays.  The Blue Jays had lost the first two games of this series so they needed a win today.


Carlos Delgado was getting inducted into the Level of Excellence before the game.  He spent twelve years with the Blue Jays (1993 - 2004) and retired from baseball in 2011.  As we were coming in, they were giving out a can with a ball inside to commemorate it.


The national anthems were sung by St. Michael's Choir ... they honoured Delgado by wearing his name on the back of their ball shirts.


Before the game started, they had the ceremony to induct Delgado into the Level of Excellence.


Buck Martinez, a former Blue Jays and now a play-by-play announcer for the Blue Jays, led the ceremony.


Some of the fan favs (they are also in the Level of Excellence) were former Blue Jays manager, Cito Gaston (1989–1997, 2008–2010) ...


Former Blue Jay, Roberto Alomar (1991-95) ...


Former Blue Jay, Tony Fernández (1983–1990, 1998–1999 and 2001) ...


Former Blue Jay, George Bell (1981–1990) ...


Delgado's guests (family and friends) ...


Time for the unveiling ... ta-da!


Delgado was presented with a jacket of Excellence.


And a cheque for $25,000 for his charity.


José Bautista and José Reyes presented him with a painting.


Delgado thanked everyone.


His wife and kids looked on.


As did the current Blue Jays ...


The end of the ceremony ...


Delgado threw out the first pitch.


Lots of hugs from his friends and family ...


Time to get ready for the game ... Brett Lawrie did a lot of stretching.


Ace was psyched.


R.A. Dickey threw out the first pitch and it was game on!


Here are the Blue Jays' walk-up music and line-up.

José Reyes
José Bautista
Edwin Encarnación
Adam Lind
Melky Cabrera
Colby Rasmus
Maicer Izturis
Josh Thole
Brett Lawrie

We sat in section 218 in row 12.  We usually sit on the third base side so this was a nice change.


They were giving out sample bags of sunflower seeds outside Rogers Centre ... I love love love sunflower seeds and ate my two bags during the game.


The standing only space was jammed.


My Keiths tasted good!  Cheers!


Anyone staying in the attached hotel had a great view for the game (and not as far a walk to the bathroom!).


Here are Gord and I.  Go, Jays, go!


The 50/50 draw was almost $13,000 ... what a sweet win!


Alas, we didn't :(


This guy a couple rows in front of us kept his ticket in an interesting spot.


At the bottom of the ninth inning, the Blue Jays were down 4 - 1.  Ace got the crowd going.


The Blue Jays came back 4 - 3 but that was it ... we lost :(


It was a great day to be at a ballgame.  Our seats were in the shade so it wasn't too hot.

1 comment:

Masshole Mommy said...

Bummer you guys didn't win.