On April 11, 2022, the Rogers Center welcomed Blue Jays fans for the first look at the newly renovated stadium and the start to the 2023/2024 MLB season.
Since last season, the Rogers Center has been renovated to commemorate the fans and create a next level experience at games, which now includes more than baseball. The renovations include an addition of five new social areas: the Catch Bar and Grill, the Stop, the Westjet Flight Deck, the Corona Rooftop Patio and the Park-Social. These new social spaces offer not only a different view of the game, but much more fun! With the addition to the new renos, the Rogers Center welcomed new multicultural meal options such as Kofta bowls and wraps, Jerk chicken, Beef patties, Tacos and more!
Aside from the excitement of the new renos, there were some awards to give out from last season to commemorate the great players in baseball. Catcher Alejandro Kirk received the American League Silver Slugger Award, for being the best offensive player last season. Jordan Romano – Jays Markham-born pitcher – received the Tip O’Neill Award, for being the best Canadian baseball player of the year. Last, but definitely not least, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was awarded the 2022 Gold Glove award.
Jordan Romano and Guerrero Jr. standing behind their awards.
Once the awards were out of the way, the game could begin and what an eventful game it was! In the top of the 2nd, new Blue Jay center fielder Kevin Kiermaier made an insane catch in the outfield, robbing the Detroit Tigers of their first home run. In the bottom of the 2nd, Alejandro Kirk got the Jays on the board with a single RBI. In the bottom of the 4th, Toronto’s Matt Chapman hit a solo home run, leaving the Jays short with the score of 3-2, but not for long. In the bottom of the 5th, Kiermaier and Springer each hit a solo home run, leaving the Jays in the lead. Bo Bichette up to bat in the 8th hit a solo home run, Belt’s RBI single and Kirk’s three-run homer to seal the Jays a 9-3 win.
After an eventful day at the ballpark, the Jays won their home opener with a standing ovation from fans for the great start to the season and the new amenities. Next Level baseball is here and a must for all to experience!
Works Cited
“Blue Jays play 1st home game of the season at Rogers Centre tonight. Here’s what you need to know.” CTV News Toronto, 11 April 2023, https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/blue-jays-play-1st-home-game-of-the-season-at-rogers-centre-tonight-here-s-what-you-need-to-know-1.6350188. Accessed 23 April 2023.
“Tigers @ Blue Jays.” MLB.com, 11 April 2023, https://stories.mlb.com/live/718622.html. Accessed 23 April 2023.
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