Changes are coming to SkyDome. I’m excited, but emotional too…

“Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes” as the late David Bowie would say.

Since the Blue Jays returned to Toronto last summer, I’ve been to two games. Both matches occurred this season. The most recent one was September 13; the first game of the day-night doubleheader against Tampa Bay.

As the date approached, I began to feel sentimental.

This month marks 30 years since I attended my first-ever match at SkyDome. September 19, 1992, to be specific. That afternoon, the Jays defeated Texas, 1-0. The newly acquired David Cone was on the mound, while the Rangers had a lineup that included their newly acquired Jose Canseco. For the record, I booed the shit out of Canseco from my seat in the 500s.

I remember the day vividly because the feelings I experienced are the same feelings I experience three decades later.

It’s the anticipation and excitement. Taking the TTC to Union Station; marching to the stadium with your fellow fans. Maybe you’ll grab something to eat on the way or choose an overpriced item inside (YOLO!).

Then you enter through the gate and make your way through the concourse. As you walk, you pass by several section entrances and get peaks of the blue seats and field. You’re almost there!

Finally, reaching your seat, taking everything in; getting acclimated. With luck, the roof is open and the temperature is perfect.

Following the match, everything is done in reverse. There’s a touch of sadness because the high has come down and you’re forced to wait for your next hit.

Countless times I’ve followed this path. Jubilation after victories, sorrow after defeats and always thankful for the experience.

As I sat down and prepared to watch what would be a 4-2 loss to the Rays, I wanted to look and experience Level 500 before it undergoes renovations.

SkyDome will look different next year. The bullpens are going to be elevated, the gap between the outfield wall and the seats will be eliminated and the outfield side of the fifth deck will be turned into a lounge/social area. All the remaining seats in the 500s – there since the stadium opened in 1989 – are also being replaced.

The plans are ambitious and hopefully, create a better fan experience. This is just the first stage of what will be a multi-year overhaul of the facility. It’s exciting to witness the transformation. These changes are certainly greater than a fresh coat of paint or new signage. I’m thrilled about the stadium’s future, but also a tad emotional about it.

I go to a baseball game to watch a baseball game. Usually, I’m not there to hang out with a group of friends. Just want to watch and cheer on the Jays. The bells and whistles aren’t that important.

Never bothered me that SkyDome was not a traditional ballpark or that “all the seats faced the 55-yard-line.” As long as I had a seat, I was happy.

Of course, every fan is different. Some care about the bells and whistles. They don’t like certain sightlines or the lack of gathering areas. For them, just watching the game isn’t enough.

And that’s perfectly fine. The Jays SHOULD cater to those types of fans. It would be foolish if they didn’t. To me, SkyDome is fine the way it is. However, I’m an outlier and there’s no need for Mr. Shapiro to worry about me or those with similar feelings.

As Mitch White ate innings and conserved bullpen arms, it was important to take several glimpses of those nosebleed seats in the outfield. I don’t know if I will watch another game in person this season. So, I had to have a final look.

They won’t be there next year. It’s sad, but it’s for the best.

ER

This is a Bradley Zimmer APPRECIATION blog entry

That’s right.

I am showing appreciation for Bradley Zimmer. He’ll likely not see this appreciation. But if he does, I hope he appreciates the appreciation.

I am showing appreciation for Bradley Zimmer because he deserves it.

I am showing appreciation for Bradley Zimmer because I saw a “meh” reaction after the Blue Jays reacquired him.

I am showing appreciation for Bradley Zimmer because some treat him like Josh Thole and that irks me.

I am showing appreciation for Bradley Zimmer because those below the Mendoza Line at the major league level are still some of the best baseball players on the planet.

I am showing appreciation for Bradley Zimmer because for every Bradley Zimmer, there are thousands who never made it and would do anything to take his place.

It’s fair to say that Zimmer hits poorly. Statistically, his production is below average. It would be great if he could contribute to the offence. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened.

So, why is he still on a big league roster?

Because he serves a purpose.

Zimmer is the 26th/28th player on the active roster. It’s not a glamourous spot, nor is it something athletes aspire for. It is a placement that defines idioms such as “hanging by a thread” and “holding on for dear life.” This was evident in August when he was designated for assignment twice; Toronto to Philadelphia to Toronto.

Currently, Zimmer fulfills a specific role with the Jays: He’s a late-inning substitute on the basepaths and in the outfield. When the club needs a run late and extra speed, he’s the guy. When a victory is within reach and they need stronger defense, he’s the guy.

It’s a tough responsibility and unpredictable. He’s not in the starting lineup regularly and there is no guarantee he will be called upon. Therefore, Zimmer shows up every day, prepares and sits in the dugout; ready at any moment. It’s an uncertain state, but between this insecurity and getting DFA’d, the choice will always be the former.

Some curse Zimmer for his lack of production. I can understand that, but ask yourself: Why are you expecting Zimmer to perform at the same level as Vladdy or Bo?

There are lead actors and there are supporting cast members. Zimmer is a supporting cast member. He’s there for little, unattractive things; an unsung hero. It would be fantastic if he hit .300 and picked up lots of extra-base hits, but that’s not the type of player he is. No bench player usually is and it’s not fair to expect that.

That’s why I was bothered by how some fans treated Josh Thole.

An outsider would see all those less-than-constructive comments made about Thole and think he was supposed to mash 50 homers and collect 100 RBIs. Thole was on the team for one reason only: To catch R.A. Dickey’s knuckleball. That’s it! Anything else was gravy.

Same story with Zimmer. He’s on the team for his defence and speed. Any offensive contribution is a bonus.

When Zimmer comes in late as a defensive replacement or a pinch runner, I am appreciating him. It’s not an easy role, but it is his role and he performs it well. You might not admire him and you’re certainly allowed to feel that way.

Like it or not, he’s doing his part and I applaud him for that.

ER