Expectations ‘ridiculously high’ for Blue Jays on opening day 2013

Well, it’s that time of year again; the Major League Baseball season has started and Blue Jays fans across Toronto are getting ready for the most anticipated season since 1993. Everyone from hot dog vendors, ushers, Blue Jays sports merchandise sellers and fans alike can feel the excitement in the air.

The Blue Jays will open up their 37th season with a game versus the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday April 2, 2013. This game and season have been anticipated since the offseason pre-Christmas blockbuster trade that had the Jays acquiring many top level players from the Miami Marlins including all-star shortstop Jose Reyes.

In a news release posted on BlueJays.com fans attending Tuesday’s game are encouraged to show up early for pre-game celebrations and events.

“Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. and Blue Jays fans are strongly encouraged to arrive early and be part of the festive atmosphere at Rogers Centre. Upon entering Rogers Centre, Blue Jays fans will receive a Honda Opening Night Rally Pom to wave during the game to support the home team,” the release said.

With all of this excitement surrounding the start of the season, many people are already predicting that the Jays will win their third World Series championship in franchise history.

Outside the Rogers Centre Tuesday evening, life long fan Amanda Santos couldn’t wait for the season to get underway. Santos, 23, has been coming to Jays games every year.

“I’m ecstatic! I’ve been waiting for this since the end of last season,” Santos said. “I’m a born and raised Jays fan, 23 years. I come to opening day every year, I’m pumped. “

When asked how far she thinks the team can go this season, Santos stated, We’re going all the way to the World Series.”

But, not everyone shares the same enthusiasm.

Rob Wong, a broadcaster with Sportset The Fan 590 radio station in Toronto, understands the excitement fans feel, but is hesitant to make such statements without seeing the team in action for a while.

“With the Blue Jays, the expectations are ridiculously high,” Wong said in a recent interview. “But having said that I think people really need to temper their expectations.”

In his view, the Jays face challenges from opponents in the American League East including the New York  Yankees, and the Tampa Bay Rays.

“The Jays definitely have a tough road ahead of them, I don’t think anyone should think this is just going to be a cake walk,” Wong said. “With that being said if the Jays stay healthy and plays up to their potential then it will be a very successful season.”

No matter what happens this season, one thing is for sure. It’s going to one loud, exciting time to be a Jays fan once again in Toronto.

About this article

By: Joshua Genereux
Posted: Apr 2 2013 1:55 pm
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Filed under: Baseball Sports
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