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The excitement is building across Canada as the Toronto Blue Jays prepare to take the field against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series — the first time the Jays have played for the title since 1993, the year they won their second consecutive championship. Across the country, fans are planning watch parties, schools and workplaces are buzzing about the games, and the Jays’ journey has become a unifying moment for Canadians of all ages.
For Peterborough native and Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer Greg Hamilton, the series represents more than just a showdown between two teams — it’s a chance to reignite the country’s passion for baseball. Hamilton has spent decades developing the sport at every level, coaching and directing Baseball Canada’s national teams, and he sees the current World Series run as an opportunity to inspire a new generation of Canadian players.
Hamilton believes the Blue Jays’ appearance on baseball’s biggest stage could spark a surge in interest and participation across Canada, reminiscent of the national enthusiasm following the 1992 and 1993 championship runs.
Hamilton says the Jays’ connectivity with amateur baseball across the country has always set them apart, and a successful season like this elevates the game for players, coaches, and fans alike.
Looking back at the early ’90s, Hamilton recalls traveling with national teams and staying closely connected with the Blue Jays organization, noting the deep ties between Canada’s major league and amateur programs.
Hamilton is currently in the Dominican Republic with the Canadian Junior National Team and says he can feel the excitement there, especially with Canadian-born Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero, who grew up on the island.
This year’s series also carries a personal connection to Peterborough through Dodgers star Freddie Freeman. His late mother, Rosemary Freeman (née McDonald), spent her early childhood in the city. She passed away from melanoma in 2000, and to honour her memory, Freeman wears long sleeves while playing to protect his skin and a cross around his neck that contains a lock of her hair.
According to Hamilton, Freeman’s character on and off the field reflects his values, genuine personality and commitment to representing his country in baseball.
As for the Jays’ chances in this best-of-seven series, Hamilton is optimistic. He notes the team’s unselfish approach, healthy roster, and momentum heading into Game 1 tonight in Toronto. While the Dodgers are the defending champions, Hamilton feels the Jays have a legitimate shot at lifting the trophy north of the border for the third time in the team’s history.
Hamilton says the team’s cohesion and focus on collective success make them a tough opponent for any team, giving Canada plenty to cheer for.
Hamilton will be following the series while in the Dominican Republic coaching the junior national team, soaking in the excitement from afar. The Blue Jays’ run, he adds, is not just a Canadian baseball story — it’s a chance to inspire the next generation of players across the country.
For Peterborough fans and Canadians everywhere, the World Series is more than a clash between two MLB giants. It’s a reminder of the sport’s enduring impact, the hometown ties that connect players like Freeman to our communities, and the generations of baseball enthusiasts who continue to dream big thanks to moments like this.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
