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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, June 2, 2016 | 14 How Blue Jays baseball became a family affair M aybe there's something in the water. Or maybe there's something in the air. For certain, there's something on my television. And, by Josh, it looks suspiciously like a Toronto Blue Jays baseball broadcast. Strange? You tell me. A scant 16 months ago, I lived in a house full of unabated loathing -- or, at least, unfettered indifference -- toward both the game of baseball and your Toronto Blue Jays. I was surrounded by people who opined baseball is too slow, too arcane, and deathly dull. And when asked if they'd like to watch a game, these comedians would say they'd rather clean their rooms, or have nose hairs plucked with pliers. So, I watched. Alone. Last year, at some point during spring training, our second son went from loathing baseball to loving baseball in general, and the Jays in particular. How did this about-face come to pass? Scott is an all-in kind of guy who gave the game a chance and got addicted. That's Life Andy Juniper Guest Contributor Within months he was watching mindboggling amounts of baseball while biting his nails to the quick as he tensely followed the Jays every pitch on television and radio, in print and social media. It got to the point where we were contemplating an intervention. Of course, Scott had luck on his side. He could not have possibly picked a more exciting year to start following the fortunes of the Jays as they took-off at the all-star break and ew right on into their rst post-season appearance since 1993. It was indeed one of those magical seasons that reeled in fans, hooked on the hard- hitting, bat- ipping Jays, and the adrenaline rush that is playoff baseball. I dare say, Scott is now a lifer, someone who will eat, drink, breathe baseball right into his dotage. He lives in Toronto, but whenever he's around our house, Blue Jays broadcasts are blaring. Speaking of which... the other night I came home to nd the Jays on TV . But Scott was not there. So, who in tarnation was watching the game? "Dad," my daughter's voice rang out, "what's an RBI?" "An acronym for Run Batted In," I replied. Then I checked her forehead for fever, and asked her if she'd fallen on her head? No fever, no fall. Hmmm. Bewildered, I went to nd my wife. I mean, seriously. Haley? Watching baseball? By herself. And of her own volition? This is the daughter whose previous interest in the diamond game was considerably less than zero. Very strange. Something in the water? Something in the air? I found my wife in our room and relayed the news ash our daughter was watching baseball. "Of course, she has a huge interest in the Blue Jays," my wife said. "Oh, and she plans to marry Josh Donaldson. But, of course, not before inviting him home for a barbecue to meet the family." Whaaaat? Well, I raced right back to the family room and I told my daughter that she needed to get her head out of the clouds, to stop dreaming and return to reality. Then I raced off, anxious to start planning the barbecue and to create a list of awesome, awestruck questions to ask the Blue Jays' MVP third baseman. Yeah, by Josh, there's de nitely something in the air, and the water, and on my TV . Blue Jays baseball is suddenly a family affair. -- Andy Juniper can be contacted at ajjuniper@gmail.com, found on Facebook www. facebook.com, or followed on Twitter at www. twitter.com/thesportjesters. Custom made or reupholstered to suit your style! Since 1967 DIAMOND DIAMOND upholstery & design Sofas · Chairs Headboards · Throw Pillows Drapery & Hardware CPA, CA, MBA, B. Eng Voted Best Accountant by Oakville Beaver Readers for 9 Consecutive Years Ricky Wong W For more information please check our website www.rickywong.ca · Accounting · Auditing · Taxation 11-2345 Wyecroft Rd, Oakville · 905.616.3156 · www.baiers.ca 1200 Speers Rd., Unit 32, Oakville, Ont. L6L 2X4 (905) 845 - 1408 | Fax (905) 845 - 5931 Compression soCks... Your legs will thank You! 2376 Parkhaven Blvd, Oakville 2376 Parkhaven Blvd, Oakville · 905-257-5880 905-257-5880 maximekitchens.ca maximekitchens.ca Oakville Burlington 380 Dundas St. E. 3350 Fairview St. T: 905.257.4335 T: 905.637.4335