Mariners vs Blue Jays: Unusual Rivalry Facts

Mariners Vs Blue Jays

Here are some fried facts (spicy, fun, or unusual tidbits) about the Seattle Mariners vs. Toronto Blue Jays rivalry and history:

1. The Rain Delay Classic (1977 Expansion Bros)

Both teams joined MLB in 1977 as expansion teams.

The Mariners played their first-ever game against the Blue Jays... in a snowstorm in Toronto (April 6, 1977). The game was delayed, and Seattle lost 7-0.

2. The Dave Stieb Near No-Hitter Heartbreak

Legendary Blue Jays pitcher Dave Stieb had a no-hitter broken up in the 9th inning by the Mariners three times (1985, 1988, 1989).

The last one (1989) was broken up with two outs in the 9th by a bases-clearing triple—brutal!

3. The Edgar Martinez 'Double' That Changed Baseball

In the 1995 ALDS, Edgar Martinez’s legendary double in Game 5 scored Ken Griffey Jr. from first, eliminating the Blue Jays’ division rivals (Yankees) and propelling Seattle into the ALCS.

This moment helped save baseball in Seattle and led to the construction of T-Mobile Park.

4. The 'Joey Bats' Bat Flip Game (2015 Wild Card Race)

While not directly against the Mariners, Jose Bautista’s iconic bat flip in the 2015 ALDS against Texas impacted Seattle—Toronto’s playoff push kept the M’s out of contention that year.

5. Felix Hernandez’s Near-Perfect Game vs. Toronto (2012)

King Felix took a perfect game into the 7th inning against the Blue Jays (August 15, 2012).

It was broken up by a catcher’s interference call—one of the weirdest ways to lose perfection.

6. The Robbie Ray Revenge Game (2022)

Robbie Ray, the 2021 AL Cy Young winner with Toronto, signed with Seattle in 2022.

In his first start against the Jays, he struck out 8 batters and got the win—sweet revenge!

7. The 'Vlad Jr. vs. Julio' Showdown

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR) and Julio Rodríguez (SEA) are two of MLB’s brightest young stars.

Their first career meeting (2022) saw Julio homer off Vlad’s Blue Jays, sparking a fun future rivalry.

8. The 'Canada vs. Pacific Northwest' Fan Battle

When the Blue Jays visit Seattle, thousands of Canadian fans cross the border, turning T-Mobile Park into 'Rogers Centre West.'

Mariners fans counter with 'Sea Us Rise' chants—creating one of MLB’s best road atmospheres.

9. The 2023 Wild Card Race Drama

In September 2023, the Mariners and Blue Jays were in a brutal wild card race.

Seattle’s late-season surge knocked Toronto into a must-win final series—which they survived, barely.

10. The 'Dome Team' Connection

Both teams played in dome stadiums for years (Toronto’s Rogers Centre, Seattle’s Kingdome).

Now, both have retractable roofs, making them weather-proof but still loud!

Bonus: The 'Almost Teal Jays' Joke

In the late '90s, Toronto considered switching to teal uniforms (like the Mariners). Thankfully, they stuck with blue.

Final Thought

While not a historic rivalry like Yankees-Red Sox, Mariners vs. Blue Jays always delivers drama, young stars, and wild finishes—especially when playoff spots are on the line!

Who’s your pick in the next matchup? ⚾🔥

Mariners vs Blue Jays: Unusual Rivalry Facts

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