The annual tradition of Toronto Blue Jays fans taking over T-Mobile Park has an added element of intensity this season after the Seattle Mariners' team store traded in the usual blue and gold of the home team for the blue and white of Blue Jays merchandise, much to the anger of Mariners players.
Every year when the Blue Jays visit Seattle, T-Mobile Park is inundated by flocks of Blue Jays fans from all over Western Canada. In preparation for the upcoming weekend series between the Jays and Mariners, Seattle's team store stocked plenty of Blue Jays gear, no doubt looking to cash in on the Canadian visitors' enthusiasm.
Unsurprisingly, some Mariners players got their backs up after images of the well-stocked visitor's merchandise started circulating around social media. Relief pitcher Paul Sewald and shortstop J.P. Crawford were the most irritated by the display and took to Twitter to voice their displeasure.
The store manager obviously heard Sewald and Crawford, and likely many other Mariners fans, and promptly removed the piles of Blue Jays emblazoned apparel. Dave Mahler of Sports Radio 93.3 KJR shared the updated display, showing items adorned with the more familiar gold trident.
Now that the merchandise battle is over, with a decisive victory going to the home team, all attention can turn to the upcoming action on the diamond.
Coming on the heels of last season's playoff series between the two teams, which the Mariners swept in Toronto, the Blue Jays are once again a direct rival in the Wild Card race. The 53-43 Jays have had the upper hand this year, winning two of three in Toronto earlier this season. They also hold the third Wild Card, 5.5 games up on the 47-48 Mariners.
With the influx of Blue Jays fans this weekend, there's sure to be tension in the stands as each fan base will try to gain the upper hand. At least Mariners fans can sleep well knowing that those looking to stock up on the visiting team's gear will be out of luck.
