The last time the Toronto Blue Jays played in an American League Championship Series, Edwin Encarnacion was in the heart of their order.

But as Toronto officially arrived on the doorstep of the World Series on Sunday, Encarnacion and his familiar parrot were back in the spotlight.

The Blue Jays had Encarnacion throw the first pitch before Game 1 of their series with the Seattle Mariners (Sportsnet, Sportsnet+).

As Encarnacion took the mound to throw to Toronto utilityman Davis Schneider, he walked his parrot with him for old times’ sake before delivering a bullet to the plate.

The now 42-year-old is not only back in Toronto as a franchise legend and reminder of the club’s last two deep trips into October, he also currently serves as a special assistant to the organization.

Over eight

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