The City of Buffalo has an indescribable aura these days.
Everything seems to be enhanced and there is no way of stopping it. The mild chicken wings taste better, the sun is shining brighter and the smell of Cheerios being freshly made at General Mills fills the air and makes your mouth water a bit more.
If you are experiencing this it might be because you’re hungry, but for me? It’s because baseball is back in Buffalo for the first time in over 100 years.
After two weeks of being on the road, the Blue Jays will host the Miami Marlins tonight in their 2020 home opener at Sahlen Field.
The Blue Jays are currently last in the American League East with a 5-8 record and are coming off of a 5-3 loss to the Boston Red Sox. The Marlins have a 7-3 record and are back to playing baseball after a short hiatus due to 20 total reported cases of COVID-19 among the team.
With high hopes and a lot of excitement surrounding this matchup, here are six reasons to watch the Blue Jays vs. Marlins:
What They’re Saying:
“When the Toronto Blue Jays play their first home game in Buffalo’s Sahlen Field, of the 2020 Major League Baseball season, it will be a big sports day for Buffalo. It will be a big day for the City of Buffalo … “ – Mayor Byron W. Brown, Buffalo, NY-
Calling Buffalo Home
The Canadian government made a huge brouhaha when it denied the Toronto Blue Jays approval to play their 2020 MLB season at the Rogers Centre just weeks before the start of the season.
With nowhere to play its home games, the Blue Jays were forced to search for a ballpark. They tried PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates and they tried Camden Yards, home of the Baltimore Orioles, but they had no luck.
That left one city. A city that dips its wings in blue cheese, one that is known to break a table or two, a city of good neighbors; Buffalo.
There was, however, a lot of work to be done by the Blue Jays. They had to bring a minor-league baseball stadium up to MLB code in a matter of weeks. This included an expanded clubhouse and weight room facilities, improved field lighting and expanded bench space beyond the dugout. They also laid out some new sod for the infield grass and outfield grass.
It may just be 27 home games in Buffalo, but this stadium is a sight to see.
Old Time Baseball
The last time the city of Buffalo hosted a Major League Baseball game, Woodrow Wilson was president, Babe Ruth was coming off his rookie season and “Hello Frisco!” by Olive Kline and Reinald Werrenrath was the no. 1 hit song in America.
In 1914 and 1915, Buffalo was home to the Buffalo Blues/ Buffalo Buffeds. They played at Federal League Park located at Northland Avenue and Lonsdale Road.
They weren’t one of the top teams in the league as they finished in fourth place in 1914 with a 80-71 record, and in sixth place with a 74-78 record, but they did have one of the best first baseman in the league at the time in Hal Chase.
Chase was an exceptional hitter but he was most reputable for his smooth defensive skills.
After the Federal League ceased in 1915, Chase left Buffalo and signed on with the National League Cincinnati Reds. He won the batting title in 1916.
Buffalo wouldn’t see another MLB game for over 100 years.
Offensive Woes
The bats have gone cold at the plate for the Blue Jays this season, and they are looking for some type of spark as they open a five game home stand this Tuesday.
So far this season, Toronto has a combined batting average of .218, and they have an abysmal .195 average with runners in scoring position. Currently, four players are batting under .200: Designated hitter Rowdy Tellez (.143), third baseman Brandon Drury (.095), second baseman Cavan Biggio (.192) and catcher Danny Jansen (.138), have struggled to find an offensive rhythm, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is batting just .240 with 1 home run.
The bright spot for the Blue Jays has been shortstop Bo Bicehtte. He seems to be settling in nicely as he currently boasts a .289 average with two home runs, six RBI and a pair of stolen bases on the season.
Overall this Blue Jays team needs to get it together at the plate. Maybe a trip to Buffalo will help them find the offensive spark they are looking for.
Quality pitching despite offensive struggles
The Toronto Blue Jays overhauled its pitching staff this offseason. and it is paying early dividends.
They started by signing National League CY Young runner up LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu to a four-year $80 million deal, acquired RHP Chase Anderson in a trade from the Milwaukee Brewers and inked RHP Tanner Roark to a two-year $24 million deal. All three have helped provide veteran leadership to a staff with some promising upside.
The Blue Jays are currently fifth in American League with a 3.79 ERA, 116 strikeouts and 1.25 WHIP. Ryu leads the team with 17 strikeouts, followed by the young RHP Nate Pearson (10). LHP Anthony Kay, who was acquired in the Marcus Stroman trade in 2019 has even joined the party with 8 strikeouts to go along with a 1.13 ERA.
The Blue Jays may be a few years off from contending for a title but if they can start pushing some runs across the play, they could be exciting to watch down the stretch of this shortened season.
Pearson back in Buffalo
Although fans will not be able to see Pearson pitch live in person, the feeling of nostalgia will still be in the air as the rookie takes the hill at Sahlen field on Wednesday night.
Last season, the 2017 first round pick climbed the ranks for the Blue Jays’ farm system. He went 1-0, with 15 strikeouts, three walks and a 3.00 ERA in just three starts for the Buffalo Bisons.
In just two starts this season, Pearson has wasted no time mixing his fiery fastball and sharp slider to fool batters. He has a 2.70 ERA, 10 strikeouts and five walks over 10 innings.
He will face off on Wednesday night against Marlins RHP Jordan Yamamoto. If you are looking for a great game to watch this week, Pearson’s Wednesday night Buffalo homecoming is one that you won’t want to miss.
This Train Never Stops:
Al, Maniac and the rest of The Wrecking Crew will be broadcasting live from the Seneca One Tower. @TrainwreckSprts on Twitter or visit the Trainwreck Sports Facebook page for live updates