Canadian Blue Jays Fans Celebrate World Series Journey in LA
Canadians living in Los Angeles are celebrating the Toronto Blue Jays’ advancement to the World Series, marking a significant moment for national pride. As the Blue Jays take a 3-2 series lead against the Philadelphia Phillies, many fans, especially expatriates, feel a deep emotional connection to this championship journey.
Cory Litwin, a Canadian who has called Los Angeles home for nearly a decade, recalls his earliest memories of the Blue Jays winning their second consecutive World Series championship in 1993. Litwin remembers the victory parade that drew millions of fans to the streets of Toronto, a moment that solidified the team’s status as a source of national pride. “It isn’t just about sports,” he shared. “This is such a deeper thing. It’s national pride. This is Canada versus the world.”
Living in a city known for its diverse population, Litwin frequently encounters fellow Canadians from various regions, including Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Toronto. The atmosphere at Dodger Stadium during Game 3 was filled with Blue Jays fans wearing their team colors, creating a vibrant sea of blue amidst a stadium predominantly filled with Los Angeles locals.
Despite being immersed in the culture of Los Angeles, where he works as a managing partner of Range Media and co-founded SHWIN with Boris Shvarts, Litwin’s heart remains tied to Canada. He reminisces about watching games with his grandmother, who instilled in him a love for the team and a sense of connection to his roots. “This is my city. This is my country,” he reflected, emphasizing the profound impact of sports on personal identity.
The significance of the World Series extends beyond just athletic competition. It serves as a testament to Canada’s growing influence in the sports world. The Blue Jays represent not only a city or province but the entire nation. Litwin noted that Canadian pride is evident in the success of artists like The Weeknd, Drake, and Shawn Mendes, who have made their mark in the United States. Similarly, the Toronto Raptors’ victory in the 2019 NBA Finals illustrated a shared triumph that resonates deeply with Canadians.
As the series progresses, the cultural and emotional stakes rise. Litwin points out that the challenges faced by both Canadian and American societies reflect in the sports arena. “This isn’t just about sports. It’s a much deeper point of national pride. This is us having something to prove,” he stated.
The ongoing World Series is not just a competition; it is a celebration of community and identity for Canadians living abroad. With every game, they find a connection to their homeland and a sense of belonging, no matter how far they may be from home. As Litwin prepares to cheer on the Blue Jays, he looks forward to sharing this experience with his fellow Canadians in Los Angeles, his American-Canadian son, Noah, and friends back in Canada. The journey to the World Series is a reminder of resilience, unity, and the indelible ties that bind Canadians together, regardless of geographical boundaries.
