Breaking up at a Blue Jays game: When an evening at SkyDome goes sideways

Inspired by a true story.

In baseball, broken hearts are common occurrences. They usually happen because of an outcome on the field. But sometimes, they happen out of context, where baseball is merely a backdrop.

It was late August 2004. We settled in our seats in the 500s for a mid-week match against Seattle. The weather that day was outstanding. The Blue Jays were not.

The Jays were in the midst of baseball’s version of “the dog days of summer” – the latter half of the regular season when a lackluster team has no chance of advancing to the playoffs. It’s like being eliminated from contention well before they are formally and mathematically disqualified from playing in the fall.

The ’04 Jays ultimately finished last in the AL East with 67 wins. They also wore new uniforms that raised eyebrows with their silver and black colour scheme.

Nevertheless, our loyalty outweighed the quality of the product.

Early in the match, I noticed a gentleman who entered our section. Probably in his late 20s, maybe early 30s. He was accompanied by two women; one was his girlfriend, while the other was her friend. While I never spoke to them, I presently feel compelled to give them names: gentleman Lester, girlfriend Joanie and friend Martha.

Joanie and Martha appeared to be visiting SkyDome and watching the Jays for the first time. It was hard to tell if they were in awe or unimpressed. Regardless, Lester puffed out his chest and was proud to introduce the ladies to his favourite sport and team.

Lester pointed out everything and anything worthy of enhancing the experience. While he ignored everyone else around him, Lester wanted all of us to see what he was doing.

“Good for you, Lester” I sarcastically thought to myself before directing my focus back to the game.

A few innings later, Lester’s pride took a direct hit.

To this day, it’s unknown how it started, but everyone in the section knew how it ended.

“If you want to be selfish and ungrateful, that’s fine!” Lester screamed at Joanie. “At least I’m making a fucking effort!”

Instantly, Joanie and Martha went back to the concourse and likely left the stadium. Baseball wasn’t for them. Neither was Lester. He looked stunned as the ladies disappeared and followed them briskly. Many within earshot and view smirked at what had transpired.

A couple more innings passed. Lester came back, sans Joanie and Martha.

He was hurting and embarrassed. The shame was too intense. So, Lester did what others would have done: He pretended Joanie and Martha’s public walkout didn’t bother him.

The only way to show that was to make his own public display. Lester started cheering loudly.

“LET’S GO BLUE JAYS!!!! BLUE JAYS ALL THE WAY, BABY!!!! MASH THOSE MARINERS!!!! SEATTLE IS NOTHING!!!”

Nobody was buying what Lester was selling and he knew it. Regardless, he kept going.

Lester raised the stakes when infielder Frank Menechino was announced as a pinch hitter.

“LET’S GO, FRANKIE BABY!!! YOU GOT THIS!!! FRANKIE TOMATTO’S!!! FRANK THE TANK!!! YOU’RE THE MAN-ECHINO!”

Despite the over-the-top theatrics, I was admiring Lester’s dedication.

The Jays would go on to lose to Seattle. Many fans left before the final play, Lester included.

I’ve wondered what he’s up to these days.

Maybe he reconciled with Joanie. Maybe he never saw her again. Maybe he – as it is commonly said – worked on himself and grew as a person. Maybe he hasn’t.

Lester put on quite a show that day. For all of us sitting around him, it was like two events for the price of one.

Too bad both events ended in defeat.

ER

Retro Blue Jays – Say cheese, Dave Stieb

Posted by John Sparovec (70s and 80s Toronto Sports).

Remember when the Blue Jays held “Camera Day?”

It was a long-time staple on the promotions schedule. An annual event where fans could stand on the field and take pictures of their favourite players.

Just imagine various Jays sitting/standing on benches or platforms, while hundreds of amateur photographers captured them in the moment. The players must have felt like creatures on display at a zoo. At least animals could freely move around and ignore the adoring public.

While some used regular cameras or disposable versions, John Sparovec went above and beyond.

The Toronto resident brought his Super 8 movie camera to Exhibition Stadium in 1979 and 1980 and filmed the festivities.

The final products are priceless time capsules!

We see household names of the day like John Mayberry, Alfredo Griffin and Doug Ault. There was also Danny Ainge before he switched to the NBA. In addition, there are clips of Dave Stieb, Lloyd Moseby and Ernie Whitt at the start of their careers.

Sparovec also included game footage and on-field activities over a soundtrack of music and – for the 1980 video – an old radio intro featuring the late Tom Cheek.

Understandably, there are a lot of faces. Some are more recognizable than others. Fortunately, Sparovec ensured each video’s YouTube page provided a rundown of each player/coach and their specific time stamp.

I’m certainly grateful that this footage was recorded, preserved and made available. Thank you, John Sparovec!

1979

1980

ER

PS: Had the pleasure of appearing on this week’s episode of Jay Bird Watching! Was I able to string together coherent sentences for a full hour??? Only one way to find out 😉 Big thanks to Craig, Jason and Ken for inviting me!