DUNEDIN – Baseball is high of thoughts for the Toronto Blue Jays as they put together for his or her pre-season opener on Saturday, however the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey event has generated loads of curiosity within the crew’s clubhouse.
The MLB Community is the same old go-to possibility on the large screens across the crew’s participant growth advanced.
That modified Monday afternoon because the Canada-Finland sport was on the clubhouse displays after the athletes completed their morning exercises. A number of gamers deliberate to get collectively Thursday evening to observe the Canada-U.S. ultimate.
“I believe it’s in all probability the primary hockey sport that I’ve ever been excited for,” mentioned Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette. “I’ll flip it on for certain.”
The booing of the nationwide anthems in sports activities venues on either side of the border has been a speaking level in latest weeks. Canada-U.S. rigidity continues to simmer because of the heightened political drama with President Donald Trump’s return to workplace. Trump has repeatedly steered that Canada ought to turn into a U.S. state and has threatened to use punishing tariffs to Canadian imports.
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The Blue Jays, who practice in Dunedin, Fla., a brief drive from the Gulf of Mexico – or as the present U.S. administration prefers, the Gulf of America – haven’t seen any anti-Canadian sentiment since their return for camp.
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“It could be slightly bit totally different when video games begin clearly,” Blue Jays supervisor John Schneider mentioned firstly of camp. “Everybody has bought their opinions and rightfully so, however (I) haven’t actually seen something to date … hopefully it’s not an excessive amount of of a distraction.”
The topic of Canada-U.S. relations additionally got here up in a latest media availability with basic supervisor Ross Atkins.
“That’s positively one I don’t wish to get into,” he mentioned. “I’ll say that I’m very blissful residing in Toronto. I really like all the things about it. I’m so glad to be elevating my daughters there. It’s an unimaginable place to stay.”
Hockey just isn’t a needle-mover amongst lots of the gamers on the roster. Baseball is king after all, with soccer, basketball, auto racing and golf a number of the extra most well-liked sports activities.
There are a couple of large hockey followers within the clubhouse although.
Outfielder George Springer was a Hartford Whalers fan and might typically be seen sporting their gear. Reliever Erik Swanson is a supporter of the Winnipeg Jets.
“Proper now I’m rooting for Helle within the 4 Nations,” Swanson mentioned, utilizing the nickname for Jets and U.S. goalie Connor Hellebuyck. “Not lots of people I’m certain are blissful to listen to me say that. However (it’s) going to be a enjoyable sport.
“I do know (pitcher Chris Bassitt) and I’ve been going again (and forth) with some former Canadian teammates that was once right here (and) we’ve bought some buddies up in Toronto. There’s been some pleasant banter backwards and forwards.”
The Blue Jays will kick off their pre-season schedule at house in opposition to the New York Yankees. Toronto will open the common season on March 27 in opposition to the visiting Baltimore Orioles.
This report by The Canadian Press was first printed Feb. 20, 2025.
© 2025 The Canadian Press
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