Blue Jays Advance to ALCS: A Playoff Primer for New Fans
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The Toronto Blue Jays are riding a wave of momentum, having advanced to the American League Championship Series for the first time in nearly a decade. But for those new to the sport, navigating the complexities of the playoffs and the rules of baseball can be daunting. This article breaks down the basics, from the playoff structure to the fundamentals of the game.
Understanding the MLB Post-Season
Major League Baseball’s post-season is a four-round tournament. Historically, MLB comprised two separate organizations – the National League and the American League – but they have jointly held the World Series since 1903 and were formally merged in 1999. Despite the merger, both leagues maintain the same playoff format. The Blue Jays compete within the American League.
The post-season begins with the Wild Card Series, a best-of-three series between the four lowest-ranked teams that qualified for each league’s playoffs. Having won the American League East division title during the regular season, the Blue Jays bypassed this initial round. Following the Wild Card Series, teams progress to the Division Series, where the first team to secure three wins advances to the Championship Series, a best-of-seven competition.
These championships pit teams from the same league against each other. Ultimately, the victor of each league’s championship series earns a spot in the World Series, also a best-of-seven matchup. The Blue Jays have previously claimed World Series titles in 1992 and 1993.
Why Are the Blue Jays in the American League?
The Blue Jays’ presence in the American League stems from a strategic decision made in the 1970s. The American League sought a geographical rival for the Montreal Expos, then a National League team, leading to the creation of the Blue Jays. Following the relocation of the Montreal Expos to Washington, D.C., in 2004, the Blue Jays became Canada’s sole Major League Baseball franchise.
Decoding the Rules of the Game
While Major League Baseball’s official rule book spans 192 pages, the core principles are relatively straightforward. Each game consists of nine innings, with each team taking a turn at bat during each inning, beginning with the visiting team. The defensive team is comprised of the pitcher, catcher, infielders, and outfielders.
The offensive team fields a lineup of nine batters. The pitcher throws the ball towards the catcher, and a hitter attempts to swing if the ball passes through the “strike zone” – the area defined by the batter’s knees to their shoulders, over home base. Three strikes result in an out, whether the batter swings and misses or doesn’t attempt a hit. Conversely, four balls thrown outside the strike zone without a swing grant the batter a “walk” to first base. This is just one of nine ways a batter can reach first base; the most common method is hitting the ball into the field.
Once a batter hits a fair ball, they become a runner and attempt to reach first base. A fielder can eliminate a runner by catching the ball before it touches the ground. If the ball touches the ground first, the fielder can attempt to get the runner out by touching them with the ball before they reach the next base, or by touching the base itself. Each time a runner successfully touches all four bases – including home base – they score a “run.” Three outs conclude a team’s turn at bat.
Team Composition and Strategy
During the post-season, each team assembles a 26-player roster. Nine players comprise the batting lineup, and nine players are positioned on the field. This includes eight players who both field and hit, one dedicated pitcher, and a substitute for the pitcher when their team is at bat. Players on the roster can be strategically substituted into the batting order, and pitchers in the bullpen can replace the starting pitcher. Deciding when to make these substitutions is a crucial element of game strategy.
The Curious Case of the Spit
Historically, players frequently chewed tobacco and would spit out the resulting saliva. This practice has largely diminished over time, with many players now opting for sunflower seeds. Players may also chew gum while on the bench or engage in playful pranks with teammates – all contributing to the unique culture of the game.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 12, 2025.
