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Take Us Out to the Ballgame—Toronto, Ontario

Every Friday we feature an inspirational travel photo of a Canadian destination taken by one of our readers.

Why we chose it: Major League Baseball season swung into action this month and Canada’s sole MLB team, the Toronto Blue Jays, had their home opener this week. While we hope the Jays attract more fans than in this photo, we love the composition here and unique view of the Rogers Centre stadium seating from above. (more…)

The Blue Jays’ New Insignia, and a Look Back at Logos Since 1977

The 2012 Jays are sporting a new logo that evokes past glories while adding a bit of slick modernity. The latest in a series of visual revamps, its classic appeal could make it a keeper. Check out our slideshow for a closer look at the team’s insignias since 1977. (more…)

Fielding a Winner: the Toronto Blue Jays in 2012

Jose Bautista (photo courtesy of the Toronto Blue Jays)

Ah, spring! The time of year when Torontonians find any excuse to dust off their patio furniture and their hopes for our beloved Major League Baseball team. At Where we’ve been dutifully doing the latter for the past few years—sure, the Toronto Blue Jays may be in the midst of a rebuilding process, but sometimes it seems as though the squad is just one more top player and a bit of luck short of squeaking into the playoffs. (more…)

Hot Entertainment: Baseball Fever

Photo courtesy Tourism Vancouver and Vancouver Canadians Professional Baseball Club

This season help the Vancouver Canadians celebrate another year of knocking it out of the park at Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium—the venue saw its first innings in 1951 and is now in its 60th year. The team has their eyes on the big leagues, as a new partnership with Canada’s only Major League team hopes to see more Vancouver Canadians on their way to batter up with the Toronto Blue Jays in the future. Catch opening night as they battle the Yakima Bears on home turf (Jun. 17).—Jill Von Sprecken

Hot Dates: Batter Up

Winnipeg Goldeyes

May 9 & 10, 12-15, 27-31; Jun 1, 10-15, 24-26 With an additional fierce new logo and 19 new players on the roster, the Winnipeg Goldeyes baseball team is primed to knock this season out of the park. Fans of all ages cheer with the help of lovable mascot Goldie as the fish play for the American Association championship. The St. Paul Saints step up to the plate first in a pair of exhibition games on May 9 & 10. Shaw Park, 780-3333 for tickets or click here, 982-BASE (2273) for information.

Hot Date: Blue Jays Play Ball!

Jose Bautista

OPENS APRIL 1 Cautious optimism reigns as the Toronto Blue Jays kick off their Major League Baseball season at home against the Minnesota Twins. The team continues to nurture a number of rising stars—at press time, hard-hitting catcher J.P. Arencibia and pitcher Kyle Drabek were among the promising young talents hoping to crack the lineup—in hopes of being contenders in the difficult East Division. Returning players like southpaw hurler Ricky Romero and home run king Jose Bautista no doubt wish for a strong start, too. They’ll be tested as the month goes on against the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays and others. Rogers Centre, $14 to $73; call 416-341-1234 or navigate here for tickets and times.

Hot Dates: Still Swinging

Jose Bautista

ON NOW The final month of this year’s Major League Baseball season has arrived and it’s a great time to find a seat behind home plate. Although the Toronto Blue Jays are out of the playoff hunt, the young team remains competitive and will be battling to spoil the post-season hopes of rivals like the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers and Tampa Bay Rays. Another reason to cheer: at press time, Jays’ right fielder Jose Bautista is the league’s home run leader. These games will prove decisive if he hopes to clinch the slugging title. Rogers Centre, various times, $13 to $76; call 416-341-1234 or visit here for tickets.

September Hot Date: Play Ball!

BC Lions photo by Caroline Toth

BASEBALL Take me out to the old ballgame: the Canadians wrap up their season at Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium (Sep. 3 to 5).

HOCKEY Luongo, the Sedins and the rest of the Canucks return for pre-season games at Rogers Arena (Sep. 22, 25, 28).

SOCCER The Whitecaps men’s team plays two home games at Swangard Stadium (Sep. 5, 24).

FOOTBALL The Lions face their competitors outdoors, in their temporary home of Empire Field (pictured; Sep. 11, 18).—Sheri Radford

Hot Date: Play Ball!

Vancouver has a variety of spectator sports during the summer. Photo copyright Ranplett/iStockPhoto.com

Sports fans, get ready to make some noise.

BASEBALL When do these guys sleep? The Vancouver Canadians play 16 home games at Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium this month—plus 13 away games.
FOOTBALL The BC Lions take on the Calgary Stampeders (Aug. 7 and 27) at the Leos’ temporary home of Empire Field. The team’s permanent home, downtown’s BC Place, is closed for renovations while a swanky new retractable roof is installed.
SOCCER The Vancouver Whitecaps men’s team faces the Austin Aztex at Swangard Stadium (Aug. 29).—Sheri Radford