A former Toronto Blue Jays player expressed excitement about the team's prospects for the World Series after their recent victory. "We are going to the World Series again!" he exclaimed after the last out of Game 7 on Monday night. The emotions he felt mirrored those from 1993 when he was part of the team that defeated the Chicago White Sox in the American League Championship Series to advance to the World Series.

The former player, who was 23 at the time, recalled how the Blue Jays' success electrified Toronto and all of Canada. He grew up in East York, watching the Blue Jays since 1977, and they inspired him to pursue a career in baseball. He reflected on the pressure and excitement the team felt as they represented Canada on the world stage, especially as underdogs against the Philadelphia Phillies.

This year, the Blue Jays were not expected to reach the World Series. The former player emphasized the importance of leadership, noting that the 1993 team featured strong leaders like Paul Molitor, Jack Morris, Joe Carter, and Duane Ward. He sees similar qualities in the current roster, which includes George Springer, Max Scherzer, Ernie Clement, Jeff Hoffman, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. He believes the team is thriving on the energy from their fans, which boosts their performance.

The parallels between the two teams are striking. Both squads are known for their ability to come from behind and share a similar approach to the game, focusing on getting on base, moving runners, and utilizing speed and teamwork. The former player noted that both teams play unselfishly and work cohesively toward their goals.

He also compared the pitching staff of the two eras. He highlighted the competitive spirit of pitchers Dave Stewart and Max Scherzer, who both showed a desire to stay in the game. Younger pitchers like Pat Hentgen and Trey Yesavage demonstrated maturity beyond their years, while closers Duane Ward and Jeff Hoffman proved that success in the playoffs requires composure under pressure.

As the 1993 team prepared for the World Series, they maintained their routines and stayed calm amid the excitement. The former player sees a similar dynamic in the current team, which celebrates each other's successes and supports one another. Manager John Schneider has fostered a culture of accountability and trust within the organization, emphasizing teamwork over individual accolades.

While many view the Los Angeles Dodgers as the favorites in the upcoming series, the former Blue Jay believes the Blue Jays possess heart, confidence, and a relentless work ethic. He stated, "That is a key ingredient to winning baseball games at the major league level and especially during the playoffs." He anticipates an exciting series, asserting that the Blue Jays will present the Dodgers with a challenge they have not faced often this season: a united team focused on winning every inning and ultimately the World Series.