Why Do Blue Jays Games Start At 07

Ever wondered why some Blue Jays games kick off at an hour that's more suited for breakfast than baseball? I mean, who wouldn't prefer a lazy afternoon game over an early morning one, right? Let's dive into this, shall we?

Why So Early, Blue Jays?

Alright, let's start with the basics. The Blue Jays, like many other MLB teams, have a mix of start times for their home games. But why do some games begin at the crack of dawn, or at least, the crack of 7:07 AM?

The main reason is television broadcasting. The MLB has broadcasting contracts with various networks, and sometimes, those networks want to air games at specific times to cater to their audiences. So, the Blue Jays, being the sports-loving, team-player they are, accommodate these requests.

But Why So Early?

Well, it's all about time zones. The Blue Jays are based in Toronto, which is in the Eastern Time Zone. When they play teams from the West Coast, like the Los Angeles Dodgers, the game needs to start early in the morning Toronto time so it can be shown in prime time on the West Coast.

Imagine it like this: You're in Toronto, it's 7:07 AM, you're yawning, and you're thinking, "Who plays baseball this early?" Meanwhile, someone in Los Angeles is just waking up, rubbing their eyes, and saying, "Hey, it's game time!"

Early Birds, Early Games

Now, you might be thinking, "That's all well and good, but why not just start the game later and show it on a delay?" Well, that's not as simple as it sounds. Broadcasting live sports is a complex beast, and showing a game on a delay can cause all sorts of issues with other broadcasts and schedules.

Blue Jays set to return to Toronto for home games - Sports Illustrated

Plus, think about the poor players. They've got to wake up, get ready, and be at the stadium hours before the game starts. It's like they're going to school, but instead of learning algebra, they're playing baseball for thousands of fans. Talk about a tough day at the office!

Sunrise Series: A Special Case

Every year, the Blue Jays host something called the Sunrise Series. These games start even earlier, sometimes as early as 6:07 AM. It's like they're challenging the sun to a duel, saying, "You might rise early, but we can play baseball even earlier!"

The Sunrise Series is a fun event for fans. It's a chance to watch a game at an unusual time, grab some breakfast at the stadium, and maybe even catch a sunrise. It's like a unique, baseball-themed sunrise yoga class, but with more hot dogs and less downward dogs.

Blue Jays Game 7 lineup - The Athletic

So, Is It Worth It?

Whether you're a die-hard Blue Jays fan or just a curious observer, there's something undeniably cool about an early morning baseball game. It's a unique experience that sets the Blue Jays apart from other teams. It's like they're saying, "We're not just here for the afternoon games. We're here for the early birds too."

So, the next time you see a Blue Jays game starting at an unusual hour, remember, it's not just about the time zone difference. It's about accommodating fans across the country, giving players a unique challenge, and creating a one-of-a-kind experience for everyone involved.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got an early morning game to catch. Wish me luck, and remember: the early bird catches the home run!