Edwin Encarnacion’s Home Run Hat Trick: One Very Cool Blue Jays Moment

That was hands down, bar none of the coolest moments I’ve ever experienced at a Toronto Blue Jays game; watching hats rain down after Edwin Encarnacion hit his third home run of the day.

This was one of the most spontaneous and special things that’s been witnessed at a Blue Jays game. Following Edwin Encarnacion’s third home run of the game, the fans showed their appreciation by tossing their caps onto the field in honour of EE’s “hat trick”.

In all my years of watching baseball, I’ve never seen anything like that before in my entire life. Sure, it’s tradition at hockey games, but Blue Jays fans gave their own Canadian-inspired salute to Edwin Encarnacion after his third home run of the game.

The moment itself was incredibly special, but it’s only a small snapshot of what’s been a very special season for the Toronto Blue Jays thus far.

Incredibly, the Blue Jays currently sit 17 games above .500 and own a 1.5 game division lead over the New York Yankees. At this point, they’re essentially destined to make the postseason and end heir 22-year playoff drought.

This was video I took in the moments following Edwin Encarncaion’s grand slam, and if you look closely, you’ll see my friend actually throwing his cap onto the field in honour of EE’s trio of home runs on the afternoon.

Pandemonium! pic.twitter.com/fSsyuYb9gu

— Ian Hunter (@BlueJayHunter) August 29, 2015

Encarnacion’s 9 RBI was one of the greatest single-game performances in Toronto Blue Jays history. As impressive as that was, it was he fan reaction to his performance which left many in awe.

Honestly, I don’t know if I’ve ever witnessed a cooler or more spontaneous moment than that; people removing their hats and tossing them onto the field as a token of their appreciation.

It happens all the time at hockey games when players score three goals, but almost never does this happen within the confines of Major League Baseball.

When it all started and I noticed the field staff starting to run onto the field, I wondered “what idiot did that?”. But as I began to clue in and notice more and more people toss their caps onto the field, it became more apparent this was a sign of admiration.

Edwin Encarnacion definitely appreciated the love from his fans throughout the whole ordeal. In fact, I think it’s safe to say he was taken aback by their show of support.

Eddie was very appreciative for all the hats on the field. pic.twitter.com/jmCbkrvDwZ

— Ian Hunter (@BlueJayHunter) August 30, 2015

It was an afternoon to remember for Edwin Encarnacion in more ways in one; not only did he tie a franchise record by driving in nine runs, but he also sparked fans to throw their caps onto the field as a gesture of appreciation for his big day at the plate.

This will remain of one of my all-time favourite Blue Jays in-game memories. We may never see something like this ever again, and for that … we should take a moment to appreciate just how special and unique that moment truly was.

Image via Edwin Encarnacion on Instagram and Cole Burston/Getty Images