The World Series has arrived, marking the culmination of 162 games and playoffs that have whittled the field down from 30 teams to two. As a fan of a team that’s on the outside looking in, it can be hard to have a viewing interest.
So, between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays, who should Minnesota Twins fans cheer for?
Let’s take a look at a few potential factors to consider to help pick where a Twins fan should land.
Players
The Dodgers and Blue Jays have connections to former Twins players. So, maybe it’s as simple as rooting for your favorite former Twins player.
The most obvious tie to Minnesota, and potential key to the series, is North St. Paul’s Louis Varland, whom the Twins traded to the Blue Jays.
Other teammates with Twins ties include first baseman Ty France, pitcher Richard Lovelady, and longtime starter José Berríos. Lovelady only played in St. Paul, but Berríos spent six seasons with the Twins before they traded him to Toronto for Austin Martin and Simeon Woods Richardson.
However, LA has former Twins pitcher Brock Stewart and catcher Ben Rortvedt.
If you’re a Jose Urena fan, you’ll have mixed feelings. While he finished the season with the Los Angeles Angels, he pitched in six games with the Blue Jays and three innings with the Dodgers.
History
Suppose you’re a history buff. Let’s take a look back in time.
The Dodgers are the older of the two squads, being a part of the baseball universe since its inception as the Brooklyn Grays. In 1958, the Brooklyn (Trolley) Dodgers moved west and became the Los Angeles Dodgers. Three years later, the Washington Senators moved to Minnesota and became the Twins.
Toronto joined the Seattle Mariners, who they beat in the ALCS, as part of the 1977 expansion. The Dodgers are playing in their 23rd World Series. They’ve won eight, including the Fall Classic.
On the flip side, the Blue Jays are playing their third World Series. They won the titles in 1992 and 1993. Jack Morris played on both World Series teams, while Dave Winfield was part of the 1992 squad (the year before he joined the Twins) and Paul Molitor was part of the 1993 team.
The Dodgers may have won eight World Series, but Toronto has never lost one. Perhaps history favors the Canadian side.
Other Factors
If the players and the history have yet to sway your decision, here could be some other ways to choose your team.
Do you love an underdog story? The Blue Jays may be your team because the Dodgers are the odds-on favorites to win.
Looking for country pride? Go Dodgers! The Blue Jays call Canada home.
Want to cheer on someone with a unique name or skill?
Besides the obvious two-way star pitcher and DH, Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers also have some fun names. Alex Call will always pick up the phone, and Justin Wrobleski has a crazy last name.
On the other hand, the Blue Jays have 6’2” Brendon Little and Joey Loperfido (try saying that name fast).
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the cornerstone of the team. His father played for the Montreal Expos, and he’s also the only Canadian-born player on Canada’s MLB team.
If you’re a fan of Connor McDavid, Justin Bieber, Drake, Ryan Reynolds, or Shania Twain, you’re a Blue Jays fan. If you enjoy Magic Johnson, Snoop Dogg, Gene Simmons, Denzel Washington, or Emily Ratajkowski, to the Dodgers you go.
If you are like me and enjoy causing chaos, root for the opposite of what your family wants. (Sorry Grandpa, go Jays!).
