If you thought 2020 couldn’t get any weirder, you must have just arrived from outer space, because of course it did.
On Wednesday, the Toronto Blue Jays played their third consecutive game in DC against the Washington Nationals — that’s not the weird part.
Officially, it was a home game for the Blue Jays, who are not allowed to host games in Canada this season due to the border closure. This meant that the Jays wore their home white jerseys, and batted in the bottom half of each inning.
Press ❤️ if you’ve missed this 🤗 pic.twitter.com/DzIpLwktGg
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 29, 2020
But whoever was in charge of the in-game entertainment took it one step further.
Despite no fans in attendance at Nationals Park, the Blue Jays were greeted with a familiar tune.
“OK Blue Jays,” that cheesy 1980s song that usually plays during the seventh-inning stretch at Rogers Centre back in Toronto, serenaded both teams in Washington.
🗣 What do you want???
LET’S PLAY BALL! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/V43JDnnoLB
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 30, 2020
Needless to say, it was weird, but also heartwarming.
This footage goes in the 2020 time capsule along with all the other COVID oddities.
— Dan the Birdman (@jaegermaestro) July 30, 2020
I just did the 7th inning stretch. Alone. With the passion of dance like nobody is watching lol!!
— Kim (@RedIslegirl88) July 30, 2020
Goosebumps when I hear that song
— Todd Stottlemyre (@ToddStottlemyre) July 30, 2020
chills, not even a blue jays fan
— Matthew Lewis Royer (@TheMatthewRoyer) July 30, 2020
I’m really sad that you could not have your home opener at home but as Nats fan happy to welcome you To Nats Park . Our announcer Jerome Hruska went full Jays. I hope it feels like a second home for now
— Marlene Koenig 🇺🇸 (@royalmusing) July 30, 2020
take me back🤩the good days
— jayce wells (@j_wells25) July 30, 2020
Feels like home 🏡 #BlueJays
— Brad (@Glimjii) July 30, 2020
The game will be a memorable one, not only for the oddity of playing their home opener on the road, but also because it was top prospect Nate Pearson’s debut performance. The 23-year-old was outstanding, pitching five innings of shutout ball, while giving up just two hits.
99 MPH AND painted? 😳🔥 pic.twitter.com/5yxIiTUUji
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 29, 2020
Unfortunately, the 2017 first-round pick didn’t get any run support, as the Blue Jays were shut out and beat in extra innings, 4-0.
The Jays have had an impressive start to their season, posting a 3-3 record in games against two tough teams in Tampa Bay and Washington. They won’t play a game at a ballpark they can call their own until August 11, when Sahlen Field in Buffalo will act as their home for the remainder of the 2020 season.