Blue Jays Home Opener 2017

I hate to admit it but last night's home opener was one of the longest, dullest ball games I have ever attended.  Hard to believe it was the home opener, the start of a brand new season, as we the fans weren't able to sustain a high level of excitement for very long.  The Jays were behind from the first inning and never quite caught up, losing to the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 after an overall lackluster performance.  As of the end of the first week of the 2017 season, their record is 1 win-6 losses, the worst start the club has ever had in the past 40 years of franchise history.  Hopefully, they can only get better from here!

That said, here are some visual highlights from the game:

Our seats were in right field, right over Jose Bautista's territory.

Before the game, third baseman Josh Donaldson was presented with a Silver Slugger award by head coach John Gibbons.

Next up, former Montreal Expos player Tim Raines, recently inducted into baseball's Hall of Fame, was on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.  The ball was caught by former Blue Jay Roberto Alomar, also a Hall of Famer.

The giant Canadian flag was unfurled as we sang the National Anthem. I've seen this a couple of times now and it's always an emotional experience.

Members of the Canadian Armed Forces hold the flag in place.

At the same time, in the stands behind 3rd base, this flag appeared with the team's 2017 slogan on it: #LetsRise.  I'm not entirely sure what that means but maybe it will catch on.  (Last year's motto was #OurMoment.)


Our mascot, Ace, took time to sit with some fans behind the dugout.


Here are some of the players (mostly pitchers) in the dugout during the game.

Some lucky fan took home a whole lot of money from the 50/50 draw.

Unfortunately, it wasn't my sister and I, even though we had both bought tickets from our friend Stephanie (rocking the blue eyeshadow and nails looks in honour of Opening Day).  We had lots of ideas about how we would each spend our share of the money but alas, it was not to be.

Here's my sister and I, smiling for the camera. (Hi Mom!)

And last but not least, Joey's butt. A rather fine one, don't you think?  :)

Day 9/100 - #100dayproject