Canadian energy ‘reaching all corners of the world’ say far-flung Jays fans captivated by World Series

Blue Jays fans across Toronto are feverishly cheering on the team’s World Series run, filling bars, watch parties and even Rogers Centre during away games – but the love for Canada’s team extends far beyond this country’s borders. 

International fans have also been basking in the excitement of the Jays’ run, though in markedly different time zones. 

One of those watching games in the light of the morning instead of under the glow of Rogers Centre’s lights is Xylk Lorena, a designer from the Philippines who created a Blue Jays tarp that garnered international reaction online.

“The tarp is a very Filipino medium to express one’s excitement,” he said. “I love two things and it's being Filipino and my love for the six.”

According to Lorena, Filipino tarps are a popular and cheap way to congratulate family members and friends on achievements. Generally, they are made of PVC and can be printed “anywhere,” he said.

Before the Jays made it to the World Series, Lorena was torn – not over his love for the team, but for the early morning wake up necessitated by the 12-hour time difference he’d been dealing with through the post-season. Still he soldiered through, with his love for the Jays borne from his time living in Toronto when he was 10.

“I was low key hoping that maybe it won't be too bad if we didn't make it because I would finally get some sleep,” he said, smiling.

But then Lorena quickly realized that this was a special moment in history. The last time the Jays were in the World Series was in 1993 — the year he was born.

“You couldn't write a better script,” he said. “I get choked up.”

The Jays are in the midst of a closely contested series against the Los Angeles Dodgers that even featured a marathon Game 3 with 18-innings and 609 pitches thrown. And with a win in Game 4, the team guaranteed at least one more game at home for thousands of ravenous fans. 

Lorena said although basketball is the most popular sport in the Philippines, he’s been surprised by the amount of recognition the Blue Jays have received over the last several weeks.

“I've seen kids out in the streets wearing unofficial Blue Jay merch,” he said. “[Canada’s] energy is reaching all corners of the world.”

Brooks Pipher, a pastor in Los Angeles, also shares in the love for the Jays and is hosting a church viewing party stateside for other fans who aren’t rooting for the Dodgers.

“It's been a great thing to be a baseball fan of another team and another place,” he told CBC News.