Latest news with #RogersCentre
National Post
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- National Post
How Sportsnet's stunning drone shots are bringing Dome home for Blue Jays viewers
From a promotional perspective for a booming sports franchise and the corporate sister sports network that helps spread the word with its thorough coverage of the team, the Rogers Centre has never looked better. Article content Crowds of 41,000 plus packed the place each of the last six games as the Blue Jays finished off a 5-1 homestand to further entrench their first-place status in the American League East. Article content Article content Article content Perfect summer nights added to the visuals and one of the biggest and most loyal television audiences in all of baseball were the beneficiaries. Article content And over the past week, a TV production toy has revolutionized the look of what the million-plus Canadians tuning into Jays broadcasts are seeing. The shots from the drone camera buzzing high above the Rogers Centre have been nothing short of stunning, bringing Jays viewers rare views of a stadium that has dramatically transformed its look in the past two years. Article content While no one at Rogers or Sportsnet wants to talk specifically on the record about what the shot has brought to game coverage and whether it will become a fixture in future shows, it's already a winner with many viewers. And on a broadcast that is already pitching 2026 season ticket sales as the best way to secure playoff tickets for 2025 (despite 60 games remaining in the season), the look has never been better. Article content The overhead shots zooming down into the packed stadium have provided terrific transition to game action, while capturing the stunning look of the extensively renovated stadium. Fans are well aware of what's happening on the field, but the shots — particularly the brilliant images at nightfall — are certainly helping spread the message that the downtown dome is once again the place to be. Article content Article content It's encouraging (and logical) to see that Rogers is spending on the production side of the network it owns to best display the team that's also a jewel under its corporate umbrella , given that ratings are routinely topping one million viewers a night. Those numbers should continue to escalate the longer the product remains exciting. Article content Is the shot over-used at times? Perhaps, but if you were a producer or a director with that tool in your tool box, how could you resist one of the more enticing technological tools available. Article content The more advanced sports productions gets, the more sports venues can be treated as giant TV studios. Think of the Olympic Games, where the 'beauty shots' as they are known in the business seem to be on an endless loop providing spectacular backdrops to the spectacle unfolding. No one is suggesting that the Rogers Centre is one of the seven wonders of the sporting world, but it sure looked special during the recently complete series against the Yankees. Article content And the drone camera — which those in the stadium can see hovering high above home plate after nightfall – has certainly added some 'wow' shots to the handful of recent broadcasts it has been part of the Sportsnet arsenal. Article content Speaking with those involved, it doesn't sound as though the drones will be an every home game toy for those that produce the broadcasts, though that could change if rave reviews continue. Article content For whatever reason — and perhaps because the network is still figuring out how extensively it wants to employ the technology going forward — a request to Sportsnet for comment on the drone's use and its impact on the broadcasts was denied citing 'policy' to not allow producers to comment on production. Article content That said, those on air and behind the scenes that we spoke with at the Rogers Centre this week certainly recognized the impact the drone view was bringing to the broadcast. For the broadcasters, there's an appreciation of the atmosphere in the building for a series like the recent one and the drone is helping deliver it in high definition directly to people's screens. Article content For those involved on the production side, they're well aware of the power of a well-timed, unique visual to further capture what's happening with the team. Article content Add in the regular camera shots, excellent audio work to capture the crowd Jays manager John Schneider is crediting as an aid to the team's success and the overall slick show produced by Doug Walton has enhanced the telling of one of the best stories in baseball this season Article content IN THE BOOTH Article content With Buck Martinez's extended absence continuing, Joe Siddall will be alongside Dan Shulman for the big four-game series over the weekend in Detroit against the Tigers. Article content What suddenly looms as a critical series with the AL Central leaders was always going to be on Siddall's schedule given he lives across the river in Windsor, Ont. It is expected that Caleb Joseph will get the call for the four games in three days Baltimore series that follows and leads into the MLB trade deadline. Article content It's expected that Martinez, who continues to follow the action closely, will return to the booth at some point as he deals with what Sportsnet described as a 'health setback.' Article content The sizzling Jays ratings were a topic of conversation around the batting cage this week, especially when compared with the powerhouse brand that are the New York Yankees. Article content Specifically, folks involved with the YES Network, the long-time home of the Yankees broadcasts, were wowed by the news we reported last week that the Sportsnet recorded a season high audience of 1.2 million for the first Yankees series this month. While Sportsnet has the advantage of being a coast-to-coast entity, it isn't as if YES doesn't reach a large market. That said, on the rare occasions that the network draws 500,000 viewers, it's cause for celebration. For Sportsnet, that number would be seen as a terrible off-night for its captive Canadian audience. Article content
New York Times
10 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
If Yankees lose AL East to Blue Jays, it'll be because of sloppiness they just showed
TORONTO — No, the New York Yankees didn't just tie an anchor to their dream of winning the American League East and toss it into the deep waters of Lake Ontario. If they tried, they would have made a throwing error and hit the CN Tower anyway. Or at least that's how it seemed after the Yankees bumbled through a four-error, 8-4 defeat by the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday night at the hostile Rogers Centre — the type of ugliness that sparks worst-loss-of-the-year talk. Advertisement If the Yankees lose the division to the Blue Jays, a big reason will be because they didn't show up when it mattered the most, beating themselves just as much — if not more — than Toronto beat them. 'We've got a lot of things we've got to clean up,' right fielder Aaron Judge said. 'We've got to go out there and believe that we're really good,' starting pitcher Max Fried said. What is going on???? — Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) July 24, 2025 The Yankees (56-46) find themselves in a rough spot after falling in two of three games versus Toronto (60-42). They're four games back of the first-place Blue Jays — a game farther back than they were when the series started Monday, when they had hopes of potentially returning to the States nearly tied for the top of the AL East. (The Blue Jays entered the series owning the tiebreaker.) The worst of it came Wednesday when they looked inept in support of Fried, who pitched OK despite getting tagged with four earned runs in 5 1/3 innings. They made two errors in the fifth inning, another in the sixth and one more in the seventh. They threw two balls away (Fried, second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr.) and booted two others (left fielder Jasson Domínguez, first baseman Ben Rice). They lost a fly ball in the sky (right fielder Cody Bellinger) and they let a gapper bounce over their head for a double (Domínguez), though it didn't net them another error. They finished their season 1-6 in Toronto. Overall, they're 3-7 versus the Blue Jays, making an astounding 12 total errors along the way. The Yankees made at least one error in six of the seven games at Rogers Centre. Manager Aaron Boone said the Yankees simply were 'not good enough,' though he added that the Yankees have a 'very good defensive club.' Going into Wednesday, the Yankees were sixth in baseball in total defensive runs saved with 33, according to FanGraphs. They were 17th in Outs Above Average with minus-4, according to Baseball Savant. Advertisement 'I think it's here, and in this building, we haven't played well,' Boone said. He didn't know why. 'I don't know if it's just coming to the turf,' he said. 'That's not really an excuse. Same game. But obviously, I think in these series and we gave too many outs, and it cost us.' Sloppiness was a problem in the other games, too. Two runs followed shortstop Anthony Volpe's sixth-inning throwing error in the Yankees' win Tuesday. Runs also scored after third baseman Oswald Peraza and Volpe made back-to-back throwing errors in the fifth inning Monday, contributing to the loss. The Yankees were swept in four games in Toronto from June 30 to July 3. Blame Canada? No, Boone said he didn't think the pressure-packed atmosphere of facing their division rival on the road had been a major factor. 'We've got to obviously tighten it up,' he said. 'Confident we will. We'll continue to work at it. We have good defenders here, but tonight was obviously a rough night for us.' Judge was asked whether Yankees players needed to look in the mirror or whether there was a team-wide issue. 'I think it's just all about everybody collectively saying, 'I've got to step up, focus more and just go out there and do my job,'' he said. 'That's what it comes down to. Just do your job.' The Yankees held a season-high seven-game lead in the division May 28, looking poised to run away with it through the summer. Since then, they have had spurts of inconsistency in every facet of their game, and they haven't figured out why. A saving grace for the Yankees? The expanded playoffs. The Yankees were still two games up for the top wild-card spot, and the trade deadline is next week. General manager Brian Cashman has already said publicly that he would be looking to make upgrades at third base and in the starting rotation and bullpen. Advertisement 'Look, obviously, we've had two crappy series here, there's no way around it,' Boone said. 'So maybe we'll get a chance to come back here at some point and flip that script. This is a place over the years where we've actually played pretty well. As frustrating as it is, and as pissed off as you are when we don't play our best against a team ahead of us, you obviously have to understand that it's a series, and you've got to keep moving.' They better. If the Yankees don't keep moving, they'll keep sinking, along with their dream of winning the AL East, all the way to the bottom of Lake Ontario. (Photo of Jazz Chisholm Jr. and George Springer: Dan Hamilton / Imagn Images)
National Post
19 hours ago
- Sport
- National Post
Blue Jays on clock to take a big swing at trade deadline. But how big?
The Blue Jays' series finale against the New York Yankees on Wednesday just may have been the final time fans will be able to watch a player or two, currently in a Toronto uniform, for the final time at the Rogers Centre. Article content It's no secret the AL East-leading Blue Jays are poised to be buyers when MLB's trade deadline expires at 6 p.m., next Thursday, an off-day for the club. Article content Article content Article content A high-leverage arm in the bullpen looms as the team's biggest need, followed by a right-handed bat and, to a lesser extent, a starter. Precisely one year ago, the Jays were sellers and parted ways with every impending free agent, while also jettisoning Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who had signed a two-year deal in free agency the previous off-season. Article content Two players the Jays received from the various trades were Joey Loperfido and Will Wagner, who are both with the big-league club after being acquired from Houston. Article content Whatever happens and whatever names get bandied about, the trade deadline clock is ticking with the Blue Jays expected to be open for business. Article content The term 'all-in' has been broached, but it remains to be seen what impactful deal the Jays are able to engineer. Article content It would shock everyone if pending free agents Bo Bichette or Chris Bassitt get moved, but it might also excite many if a blockbuster of significance that helps with all three needs, is completed. Article content So, we'd expect the currency the Jays use to bolster the lineup could include Loperfido, Wagner, infielder Leo Jimenez or, most likely, a few minor-league prospects. Article content The Jays entered Wednesday's play with a 59-42 record. The AL West-leading Astros are 60-42, and the scuffling Detroit Tigers — who play host to the Jays this weekend in a four-game series — still lead the AL Central with a 60-43 record. Article content The Yankees need starting pitching following season-ending injuries to Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt, who was hurt when the Bronx Bombers first visited Toronto some three weeks ago. Article content The Yankees are said to be in the market for a third baseman with the team linked to Arizona's Eugenio Suarez. His former team, the Seattle Mariners, are also believed to be interested in a reunion for the all-star, as are the Milwaukee Brewers. Article content As recently as last week, some in baseball even had the Blue Jays rumoured to be interested in Suarez.
CTV News
a day ago
- Sport
- CTV News
Toronto Blue Jays apologize to fan who had ‘Yankees Suck' flag confiscated
Alex Di Domizio with the flag he had specially made to read 'Yankees Suck' with a Jays logo in the centre. (X/@AlexDidomizio08) A Toronto Blue Jays fan was left quite confused when a flag he had brought to Monday night's home game against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre was confiscated, despite not breaking the ballpark's rules. Alex Di Domizio, a Blue Jays fan who 'absolutely hates the Yankees,' decided to bring a flag he had specially made to Monday's home game against New York. It read 'Yankees Suck' with a Jays logo in the centre. 'The usher in our 200s section didn't seem to mind, but another usher came over and almost yelled at our usher for allowing me to hold a flag,' Di Domizio told CP24. 'I was holding the flag for about 10 minutes and they took it just before the game started.' Di Domizio said the second usher's main issue was that his flag said 'Yankees Suck,' and he was worried he might get kicked out after a security guard went to him and asked to 'talk outside.' 'Turns out he wanted me to bring the flag to fan services,' Di Domizio explained. 'He said I could get it back after the game.' Di Domizio said he brought the flag that night because he didn't think it would be an issue. 'I didn't swear on the flag or anything like that.' Rogers Centre's policy states that fans are welcome to bring banners and signs provided they do not 'interfere with the game itself or any game-related events, or with the ability of other fans to enjoy of the game or any such events, or contain messages, graphics or other content that may be considered distracting, commercial, religious, political, or intended to draw attention to international, political or other similar events, causes or conflicts.' 'Banners and signs must be family-friendly, and may not be obstructive, offensive, disparaging, unlawful or otherwise objectionable or inappropriate,' the policy continues. In a statement to CP24, the Blue Jays clarified that Di Domizio's flag was indeed allowed in the ballpark. 'We made a mistake and have addressed the issue to ensure it does not happen again. We have spoken with the fan to apologize and invited him back to a future game, which he is looking forward to attending.' Di Domizio said he's glad the organization made things right and it was never a question that he would remain a fan. 'It feels good to know that the (organization) apologized and recognized that there was nothing really wrong with my flag. At the end of the day, I'm a huge Jays fan who absolutely hates the Yankees. Getting something confiscated sucks, but it doesn't stop me from coming to future games.' Earlier this year, Dan Begley was escorted out of Rogers Centre during the Jays home opener for wearing a red ballcap with the slogan, 'Canada is not for sale.' The Blue Jays also apologized to Begley and said their staff made a mistake and the issue was addressed to ensure it never happens again.
CTV News
a day ago
- Sport
- CTV News
84,731: Toronto Blue Jays fans set new single-night ‘Loonie Dogs' record
A spectator holds up a hot dog at a Blue Jays game in Toronto Toronto Blue Jays fans just joined their team in the record books. Just one day after the Jays broke a 40-year-old franchise record for most home wins in a row at 11, fans in the sold-out crowd set a new benchmark for hot dogs eaten on the team's popular 'Loonie Dogs' night. According to the Blue Jays, attendees at the Rogers Centre consumed 84,731 Loonie Dogs on Tuesday night. That number surpasses the previous record of 76,627 set in 2023. While the crowd was putting up impressive numbers, the Jays weren't able to match that achievement, losing 5-4 to the New York Yankees and getting their home win streak snapped. Rogers Centre hosts Loonie Dog nights every time the Blue Jays have a home game on a Tuesday. Four more are slated for this season: Aug. 12 versus the Chicago Cubs, Aug. 26 against the Minnesota Twins, Sep. 9 versus the Houston Astros, and Sep. 23 against the Boston Red Sox.
