What is the World Series?
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States. It typically brings together the champion of the American League and the champion of the National League in a best-of-7 format. ⚾
For someone not versed in baseball: think of it as the “final showdown” of the season, akin to a soccer league’s playoff final, where the title of champion of that sport is decided. It draws broad attention because of its history, the stakes (the crowning of the best team for the year), and its cultural footprint in sport.
The World Series started last Friday and could possibly wrap up this Saturday (or earlier) , depending on how things play out. Talk about an intense week!!!
First Ever Pinch-Hit Grand Slam in World Series History
In Game 1 of the 2025 World Series, Addison Barger of the Toronto Blue Jays made history by hitting the first ever pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history. ✨
Let’s break that down: a “pinch-hitter” is a player who comes off the bench to bat in place of another player (like a substitute in football), usually deployed for tactical reasons. A “grand slam” is a home run hit with the bases loaded (i.e. the maximum 4 runs score – 3 on bases plus hitter).
So, when Barger came in and hit a grand slam in that role, it became a landmark event. Why is it a big deal? Because in the 122-year history of the Fall Classic, no one has done that before. It speaks to the rarity of strategic pinch-hitting success at the highest level and the dramatic impact: that one swing turned the game decisively. It also underlines how historical firsts continue to happen even in deeply storied competitions like the World Series.
Followed by a “Complete” Game
Yoshinobu Yamamoto's “complete game” in Game 2 was a rare and bold move in modern baseball. Manager Dave Roberts entrusted the 27-year-old right-hander with the entire 105-pitch game. OMG!!!
Roberts even remarked that Yamamoto could have thrown "30-40 more pitches" if needed. Yamamoto himself emphasized the importance of the game, stating, "Today’s game, we had to win. So that's just how I treated this game."
Yamamoto's dominance neutralized the need for relief, showcasing his ability to shoulder the workload and deliver when it mattered most. His performance was historic, marking the first World Series complete game since 2015.
Shohei Ohtani's Free Agency Decision and Its Fallout
Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers' 2 way superstar, who excels at both pitching and hitting, was once poised to join the Toronto Blue Jays. During the 2023 offseason, Ohtani narrowed his choices to the Blue Jays and Dodgers, with many speculating that he would sign with Toronto.
Ohtani ultimately chose the Dodgers, signing a record $700 million contract. This decision has been a point of contention for some Blue Jays fans, who expressed their feelings during Game 1 of the 2025 World Series by chanting "We don't need you" as Ohtani stepped up to bat.
Amicable Relationship Between Ontario Premier Rob Ford and California Governor Gavin Newsom
Away from the diamond, politics and baseball have found an unexpected intersection through Ontario Premier Rob Ford’s friendly relationship with California Governor Gavin Newsom. Though Ford’s brash, populist style once defined Toronto’s political scene, his recent interactions with Newsom - marked by humor, public appearances and even lighthearted exchanges around the Blue Jays’ success - have surprised many observers.
The two leaders have shown a rare kind of mutual respect. Their interactions have underscored how major sporting events like the World Series can serve as unlikely bridges - softening political divides and creating moments of shared enthusiasm that transcend borders. In a U.S.-Canada media climate often defined by division, the Ford–Newsom camaraderie offers a refreshing counterpoint.
Despite this camaraderie, Donald Trump cancelled U.S.-Canada trade discussions and slapped a further 10% tariff on Canada for running extracts from a Ronald Reagan speech about free trade during the game this past weekend. Do you know the definition of a party pooper? 💩
“A party pooper is someone who spoils the fun at a social gathering. The term, dating back to the 1940s–50s, uses “poop” in its older slang sense of ruining something, making it a humorous way to describe someone who kills the mood.”
The World Series remains one of sport’s enduring spectacles. The first-ever pinch-hit grand slam adds a fresh chapter to its legacy. At the same time, off-field stories - like Ohtani’s controversy and the Ontario-California alignment - show how the sport continues to sit at the nexus of culture, business and regulation, with broad ripple effects that go far beyond the diamond. Let’s focus on the stuff you gotta love, there’s lots of it in this World Series. ❤️
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