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Rogers Centre
Experience
Toronto, ON -
5/30/2004
by: Anthony Lorenzo
There was a day
when America’s pastime was ruled by an organization north of the
border. This organization drew over 4 million fans for 3
consecutive seasons, 1991 through 1993, and won back-to-back World
Series Championships, 1992 & 1993. The Toronto Blue Jays moved into
SkyDome on June 5, 1989. It was the dawning of a new era in Major
League Baseball. SkyDome was not only the first retractable roof
ballpark in North America, but it was also the first ballpark to be
an entertainment center. SkyDome was the home of a Hard Rock Café,
an arcade, and a hotel. These amenities drew fans of all ages.
With the CN Tower, the worlds tallest building at 1,815 feet, next
door any visitor to the SkyDome was sure experience more than just a
baseball game.
After visiting
Detroit’s Comerica Park, Mike, Zach and I were headed 240 miles
north to Toronto, Ontario. It was a beautiful spring weekend.
After arriving at our Sheraton Hotel, located in downtown Toronto,
we headed out about town. Toronto is a very cosmopolitan city, its’
culture reflects that. There are numerous English style pubs, full
of happy folks, some dressed in kilts. We stopped by The Duke of
Argyle for a late lunch, when we arrived back to our hotel Zach made
reservations at a local Comedy Club. To our surprise it was Muslim
Comedy Night! Many Muslims have settled in Toronto, so it was great
to experience part of their culture. Laughter brings unity to its’
audience, no matter what culture they are from. Baseball can have a
similar affect.
We were looking
forward to visiting SkyDome for the 1:05 game. The Blue Jays were
coming off of back-to-back wins against the surprising Texas
Rangers, who where developing the best infield in baseball,
comprised of Hank Blalock (3B), Michael Young (SS), Alfonso Soriano
(2B), and Mark Teixeira (1B). The 22,225 in attendance enjoyed the
game under bright blue skies. SkyDome’s 21 million pound roof was
open, offering a great view of the CN Tower behind right field. The
Blue Jays where my sleeper team going into the 2004 season, but
injuries and sub par starting pitching put them under .500 and out
of the playoff race. All-Star first baseman Carlos Delgado sat out
the game, like many Blue Jays regulars. Journeymen Bobby Estalella
and Dave Berg filled out the Toronto lineup card. Luckily Vernon
Wells, the Blue Jays emerging young centerfielder, remained in the
lineup for what turned out to be a pitchers duel between Ranger
Kenny Rogers and Blue Jay Justin Miller. Texas catcher Rod Barajas
was in the middle of two rallies to help the Rangers win 4-2.
Overall it was a great day at SkyDome, but with all the empty seats
it was sad to see where baseball in Toronto has gone since the 1994
strike.
Baseball will
never be the most popular sport in Canada, but from 1989 to 1994
baseball in Toronto was played in front of large crowds that brought
a hockey mentality to the baseball diamond. Led by manager Cito
Gaston and outfielder Joe Carter the Blue Jays where a dominant
force in the American League. SkyDome enabled the organization to
spend more money on players, like Roberto Alomar and David Cone,
while retaining homegrown stars such as John Olerud and Juan
Guzman. SkyDome was more than a ballpark, it was the best ballpark
in the world, until the players and owners decided to end the 1994
season and any chance the Blue Jays had at winning a third
consecutive World Series title. Interest in the Blue Jays has waned
since the 1995 season began. After visiting SkyDome I doubted if
baseball in Toronto could be a success again. I figured they would
be the next and last Major League Baseball franchise to leave the
great white north for a burgeoning US city like Portland, Oregon,
until February 2005 when Blue Jays owner Ted Rogers announced
SkyDome would be renamed Rogers Centre, and that $210 million was
budgeted for team payroll over the next 3 years. This announcement
gave Blue Jays General Manager J.P. Riccardi the flexibility his
predecessors had to build a championship caliber team. Hopefully
these improvements to the teams’ finances will bring another day
when America’s pastime can rule Canada’s Queen City. Eh!
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