The Blue Jays Fan’s Guide to Game 1 of the ALDS

The day has finally arrived. Like young children eagerly anticipating getting to go downstairs on Christmas morning, Blue Jays fans will get to open the gift they’ve been waiting to unwrap for 22 years; a postseason baseball game in Toronto.

Playoff games aren’t entirely foreign to Toronto Blue Jays fans, but for many of us, this is uncharted territory. Because it’s been so long, many are unsure as to what to expect or how to act in this particular situation.

What exactly is the decorum for a Blue Jays playoff game? Here’s a bit of a guide for fans ahead of Game 1 of the ALDS between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Texas Rangers.

A New Banner Will Fly

According to the Toronto Star (and BJH, by the way!), the Blue Jays will unveil their brand new 2015 AL East Champions banner during the pre-game ceremonies. Things will officially get underway at 3:10pm EST.

Expect to see a myriad of video montages ahead of the first pitch, and gates will open two hours ahead of game time. Whether you’re watching in person or at home, it will be very surreal to see a brand new flag fly from atop the Rogers Centre.

Cito to Throw the First Pitch

Via a tweet from Bob Elliott, Cito Gaston has been tabbed to throw out the ceremonial first pitch ahead of Game 1 on Thursday. Obviously, the Blue Jays have a large pool to dip into when it comes to alumni and former players.

Personally, I hoped it would be someone like Roy Halladay or Carlos Delgado, as they both endured many years in Toronto without a playoff berth, but Cito is certainly the sentimental choice. Also keep in mind, this is only the first playoff game in Toronto.

There will be at least one more home game and at least one more opportunity to parade out another ceremonial pitch-thrower, whom will certainly be another member of the Blue Jays alumni.

Will the Roof Be Open?

There has been much debate on Twitter as to whether the Blue Jays even have control over the status of their roof. But according to Blue Jays SVP Stephen Brooks, the status of the Rogers Centre roof will be determined closer to when gates open.

If weather permits, apparently the roof could be open for Game 1 of the ALDS, which would be a very unique experience for fans at the Rogers Centre/Skydome.

To the best of my knowledge, the Blue Jays have never played an open roof playoff game in Toronto. So it really could be yet another first for the Blue Jays on Thursday afternoon.

Do Not Do the Wave

Via Toronto Star

Generally, I’m not really one tell people how to enjoy their experience at the ballpark. If their idea of a good time involves trying to start the wave … whatever. But it’s an entirely different story when the game actually means something.

The wave is the universal sign of waving the white flag; certainly something you don’t want to see the Blue Jays’ fan base participating in during the posteason. It’s one thing to do the wave during an 11-0 shutout, but it’s another thing entirely when it happens in a playoff game.

If the mood strikes you to get up and try to do the wave, don’t. If you see someone who’s trying to do the wave, tell them to stop and pay attention to the game sitting on the field.

Liquid Pre-Game Festivities

If you’re one of the lucky ones who’s able to duck out early to attend the Jays game, a little bit of pre-gaming could very well be in order prior to first pitch.

That may involve a few tall cans, and incidentally Budweiser has released a new Blue Jays 6-pack at the LCBO called the “6ixpack”. These are also suitable if you’re unable to attend the Jays game in person.

And if you have one of those famous Budweiser Red Lights, apparently they’ve been synced up to go off whenever the Blue Jays hit a home run during the playoffs. Which could be … a lot.

Need a Doctor’s Note?

Anyone need a Doctor’s note for the next couple of days? You’re welcome. #Postseason pic.twitter.com/ehAzf14sFi

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) October 7, 2015

Fans will be using virtually any excuse to get out of work early today and tomorrow afternoon. Luckily, the Blue Jays have provided everyone’s respective employers with a doctor’s note to get out of work.

The Best Blue Jays GIFS of the Year

While it’s not necessarily game-related, it’s certainly a culmination of everything that’s taken place over the 2015 season. Buzzfeed was kind enough to let me help out with their article which cultivated all the best Blue Jays GIFS of the season.

Buzzfeed was able to whittle it down to 25 best for “The 25 Most GIF-Worthy Moments of the 2015 Season” and these GIFS are just as impressive to watch even the second time around.