In 1987, a return to Toronto revealed a city transformed by its love for baseball. Radios filled homes and gatherings, with the voices of Tom Cheek and Jerry Howarth narrating Blue Jays games instead of music. Whether at summer barbecues or lakeside cottages, the sounds of baseball intertwined with everyday life. This was a summer that ignited a passion for the Blue Jays, making baseball a central topic of conversation. Fans eagerly discussed last night’s game, the upcoming matchups, and the chances of players like George Bell winning the MVP award.

As the summer unfolds, the excitement surrounding the Blue Jays mirrors the joy of that nostalgic season. The current team has captivated fans with unexpected performances, creating a sense of daily anticipation. "If this is your first great baseball summer — like we first experienced in 1987 — that carries you and brings you along for the ride, a ride of mostly joy," one fan reflected.

Historically, Toronto has seen few magical baseball summers. The inaugural season in 1977 was thrilling, and by 1985, the Blue Jays had begun to capture the hearts of fans. However, the 1987 season was particularly memorable. The team held a 3.5-game lead with just seven games left but faltered in the final stretch, missing the playoffs despite winning 96 games. The Minnesota Twins, who won the World Series that year, had only 85 wins.

The Blue Jays have experienced ups and downs since their World Series victories in 1992 and 1993. After being labeled as chokers, the team broke through with Roberto Alomar’s iconic home run, leading to back-to-back championships. Yet, the years following those victories were marked by disappointment, with long stretches of underperformance.

The 2015 season reignited excitement as players like Josh Donaldson and Jose Bautista led the team to a thrilling second half. General Manager Alex Anthopoulos made key trades, and the Rogers Centre buzzed with a diverse and engaged crowd. This brief resurgence left a lasting impression on fans.

Today, the Blue Jays are again capturing the attention of Toronto. While there are no standout MVP candidates like in previous years, players such as Vladdy Guerrero Jr. and others are stepping up. The landscape of baseball fandom has evolved since 1987, with fans now checking scores on their phones and engaging on social media. Yet, the essence of a captivating baseball season remains unchanged.

As the Blue Jays approach their 50th anniversary, this summer stands out as a time when every game and every at-bat feels significant. It is a summer filled with love for the game, the team, and the community it fosters.