Reflections on the 2025 World Series

For the weeks that spanned the Toronto Blue Jays' miraculous postseason run, it felt like all of Canada was holding its breath. The team did the impossible: It had us believing, with one comeback after another, each more cinematic than the last.

Streets were painted in blue, sports bars overflowed, and even those who once could not tell you the difference between a cutter and a slider were suddenly glued to their TVs. Then came Game 7, and the heartbreak that followed: a loss that felt like a national gut punch, as the Jays fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers, who repeated as World Series champs.

- Sadaf Ahsan, Yahoo Canada News, November 7, 2025

A week has passed since the Toronto Blue Jays' heartbreaking loss to the L.A. Dodgers in the seventh game of the 2025 World Series.  Now that it's over, I've had time to reflect on this triumphant season and its disappointing finish.  The Dodgers won the World Series, but the Blue Jays won our hearts.  I live in Toronto, so I am biased, but I truly believe the Jays were the more likeable team.  The World Series could have gone either way, but the Jays didn't get the breaks, and they fell short.  In fact, they came within two outs of winning all the marbles.  Victory was within their grasp.  They were so tantalizingly close!

Not too many fans in Toronto, including myself, thought the Jays were going to accomplish very much this year.  To be honest, I expected them them to finish fourth or fifth in the American League East division.  Their dream season was a very pleasant surprise for fans in this city and the rest of Canada.  At a very difficult time for our country, the Jays gave us some joy, something to cheer about. They were a unifying force and they brought Canadians together from coast to coast.

I still have mixed feelings, though.  Yes, I am thankful for a thrilling World Series, but I am also disappointed.  We had to eat the cake without the icing, the chocolate sundae without the cherry on top.  However, I can always dream about next season.  The key will be signing Bo Bichette.  The 27-year-old played with an injury in the World Series, yet he still managed a batting average of .348 with eight hits in 23 at-bats.

Bo Bichette

I really hope Bo stays in Toronto.  Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are a dynamic duo.  They have played side by side throughout their careers.  It's only fitting that they should win a World Series together.  So, it's wait 'til next year, Blue Jay fans.  Maybe they'll be able to finish the job.  How sweet it would be!

- Joanne

An accident caused by texting while driving

Although there are campaigns against distracted driving, I don't think the campaigns are strong enough.  Distracted driving is just as bad as impaired driving.  It should not be tolerated.  Last weekend I had a first-hand experience with a distracted driver, and it wasn't pleasant.  It shook me up.

My husband and I were on our way to a family dinner celebration at a restaurant.  I was sitting in the front passenger seat.  Suddenly, I felt a jolt.  Our car was hit from behind, but we were not seriously injured.  There was some slight damage to our vehicle, which has to be repaired.  The driver of the car that hit us was a young man, probably in his late teens.  He was very polite and apologized profusely.  He was also very accommodating and provided us with all the necessary information.  Then, to my surprise, he admitted to me that he should have been more careful and that he had been texting while driving.

That revelation upset me greatly.  I was angry at his negligence.  I told him that I hoped he had learned his lesson and would not put anyone's life, including his own, at risk like that again.  He assured me that he had learned his lesson.  I sincerely hope so, but one can never be sure.  The fact remains that he shouldn't have had to learn a lesson.  He should have been aware of the dangers of distracted driving.  He should have known that it is wrong to drive while texting.  What he did was bad enough, but what if someone had been seriously injured or killed?  It would have been too late for this young man to learn his lesson.

- Joanne

Blue Jays one win away from capturing their first World Series since 1993

 
I am elated.  The Toronto Blue Jays are one win away from capturing their third World Series crown.  Best of all, they could win it right here in Toronto. They are on the cusp of victory., a victory that would be celebrated throughout Canada, from sea to sea.  During these difficult times, Canadians could sure use a boost.

I have memories of 1992 and 1993, but many Blue Jay fans are too young to remember those unforgettable glory days.  Younger Canadians are enjoying the ride and I hope they will also be able to enjoy the sweet taste of a World Series victory.

This team is likeable and resilient.  They've been underestimated, but they've always come through when it counted.  They appear to be a team of destiny.  Let them body shame Alejandro Kirk and Vladdy.  I would rather have them playing on my team than Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani.

I also can't say enough about Addison Barger. George Springer, Ernie Clement, Bo Bichette and the others.  As for Trey Yesavage, he's been unbelievable.  His meteoric rise from the minors to World Series stardom is unprecedented.  He's a very cool and composed 22-year-od sensation.

Having said all that, I remain cautiously optimistic.  The Jays still have to win one more game, and anything can happen in sports.  It will be a Halloween to remember or we will have to play a seventh and deciding game on All Saints Day.

Go Jays go!  Bring it home!

- Joanne

- Joanne

Why George Springer is the leader of the pack

The Toronto Blue Jays are going to the World Series for the first time in over 30 years.  I am ecstatic!  I never expected the Jays to earn a berth in the October Classic in 2025.  This has been a magical season.  It should culminate in a fairytale ending with a victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.  I really hope that happens.  I think that the Blue Jays are capable of winning it all.  However, life and sports are unpredictable.  The L.A. Dodgers have the best team money can buy, but the Jays have the most heart.  They shown it time and time again with their comeback wins.  We will have see if that's enough to defeat the Dodgers and their superstar, Shohei Ohtani.

The Dodgers are highly favoured to win, and that's okay with me.  I prefer that the Jays are underestimated rather than overestimated.  I prefer that they are the underdogs.  It will make a World Series victory even sweeter.

Foe me, George Springer exemplifies everything a good team leader should be.  He is a major reason why the Blue Jays are headed for their first World Series since 1993.  George was born on September 19, 1989.  The future Jay was was just three years old when the Jays won their first World Series in 1992.  He was a mere four years old when they celebrated a repeat victory in 1993.  George didn't grow up in Canada and he has no memories of the euphoria that swept Toronto and Canada back then.  He is an American who was born and raised in Connecticut.

The 2025 season has been a sweet one for George. He played in 140 games and recorded a batting average of .309, 154 hits, 32 home runs, 84 RBIs and 106 runs scored.  His 2025 stats are very impressive, but George brings much more to the team than his results on the field.  He has veteran leadership experience.  He sets an example for his teammates.  He is the first to encourage them when they achieve something.  He cheers them on, and he pats them on the back when they don the home run jacket.

It was only fitting that George hit the unforgettable home run that won the American League title for the Toronto Blue Jays.  That Springer Dinger ranks right up there with Joe Carter's homer in 1993 and Jose Bautista's bat flip home in 2015.  George's longball in the seventh and deciding game in the ALCS has earned a place in the pantheon of players who have provided the Blue Jays with their most treasured moments.

I'm very disappointed in the Seattle fans for booing George when he was injured.  It's certainly all right for fans to boo players.  That's part of the game,  What is not acceptable is to boo a player when he is injured.  It's cruel and classless.

Here's what I think would be a fitting ending to a World Series victory for the Toronto Blue Jays.  Wouldn't it be great if Bo Bichette came off the bench to pinch hit in the 9th inning of Game 7 and hit a walk-off home run to win the game?  Go Jays go!

- Joanne

My visit to Drew House in Elora, Ontario

I've just returned from Elora, Ontario. where I attended a wedding with family members.  We stayed at Drew House, within walking distance from the beautiful, historic village of Elora.  The charming Drew House is a converted 19th century coach house, built before Confederation.  It was designed for the family of George Alexander Drew (1826-1891), a lawyer, politician and judge, who served two terms as the Member of Parliament for Wellington North.  He represented the riding as the Liberal-Conservative member of the Canadian House of Commons from 1867 to 1872 and from 1878 to 1882,            

George A. Drew (1826-1891)

Drew's grandson, also named George Alexander Drew (1894-1973), became the youngest mayor ever of Guelph, Ontario in 1925 at the age of 30.  He went on to serve as 14th Premier of Ontario from 1943 to 1948.

George A. Drew (1894-1973)

The original structure of the Drew House, located on East Mill Street, was built in 1857.  Since then, it has been greatly expanded.  It was originally a one-and-a-half-storey home. Since the 1870s, it has been an impressive two-storey stone structure.  There haven't been many owners since the George Alexander Drew first lived there.  It is now an inn for travellers to Elora.

During our two-night stay at Drew House, we were shown much hospitality by our hosts, Kathleen Stanley and her husband, Roger Dufau.  The couple have been operating Drew House as a bed and breakfast since 1999.  They made us feel comfortable and they served us hearty breakfasts.  I wish to thank them for making our stay a pleasant one.  If you happen to be visiting Elora, I highly recommend the Drew House.  Thanks Kathleen and Roger!

Innkeepers Kathleen Stanley and Roger Dufau

For those interested in the heritage of Elora, a book about the history of Drew House has been written by Elysia DeLaurentis.  It is titled A Grand and Storied Home: The Drew House of Elora, Ontario.  It is available for purchase at Magic Pebble Books in Elora. and at Drew House.

- Joanne