It pierced the sombre quiet of the Blue Jays clubhouse late Saturday evening, filling the air while player after player dutifully met with reporters. From all four corners it almost sounded like bubble wrap — an industrial brand — was being popped at the foot of each locker stall.
Instead, only hours after the team had seemed destined to prolong its playoff appearance, the sound was that of teammates loudly clapping each other on the back as they embraced. Before anyone could really digest what had happened on the field, the Blue Jays were saying goodbye.
Two large cardboard boxes had been placed in the centre of the room. One was for players who wanted to donate any shoes, and the other was for clothing. Toronto general manager Ross Atkins slowly made his way to as many players as he could reach, just to share a final moment.
“It happens fast,” said Blue Jays third baseman Matt Chapman. “We’re expecting to hopefully win a game … and then all of the sudden, everybody’s packing their bags and it’s time to go home.”
The Blue Jays held an 8-1 lead heading into the sixth inning in Game 2 of their best-of-three American League Wild Card Series with the Seattle Mariners. No road team had ever come back to win a playoff game from that deficit in baseball history, let alone clinch a series.
And yet: Toronto.
Chapman was standing by his stall. Several teammates had already changed into civilian clothes. There was still dirt on his jersey and pants, and he was still wearing his spikes.
“It really sucks,” said Chapman. “It stings. Obviously, I’m still in my uniform. I wanted to play a lot more baseball this year.”
And a crowd of 47,156 at Rogers Centre wanted to watch more baseball, starting with Game 3 at home the following afternoon.
