On Thursday night, anticipation inside Rogers Centre was rising — and not (just) because of the upcoming game against the Chicago Cubs. There was another tale silently brewing beneath the pregame routine. It’s a fun but very competitive custom that has become a part of the Toronto Blue Jays’ identity.

There was less talk about pitching matchups and more talk about NFL roster planning in the clubhouse. Yup, you read it right, NFL! Each year, the Blue Jays’ fantasy football league becomes a fierce competition, and it’s more than just fun; it’s a quest for the top spot filled with inside jokes and subtle jabs. Players know the sting of finishing last and the embarrassment that comes with it. Especially in front of teammates who won’t let it go.

The Blue Jays didn’t just use a digital randomizer or a hat draw to decide the selection order this year. Instead, they went to the diamond with a funny and creative twist. They dropped plastic parachute soldiers from the top of the Rogers Centre dome to see who would go first. Even mlbonfox couldn’t help but post about the occasion on Instagram with the caption, “Don’t think we’ve seen this decide a fantasy football draft order before 😂 Have you seen @nflonfox? @bluejays.”

After the game, CityNews’ sports reporter talked to outfielders Davis Schneider and Daulton Varsho to figure out what was happening. And then Varsho explained, “Yeah, so we had parachute troopers that were dropped from the top of the dome and trying to hit a target. I thought it was going to be more inconsistent than it was, but it was pretty good.”

Schneider laughed when asked if it was suspenseful. “No, I mean, there is no wind factor in here, so it’s not like the troopers could be pushed around, but it was cool. It was fun. I like that” First pick? “Lauer.” Second? Schneider smiled and said, “Yeah, and Bass are on the same team, so Bass got second.”  When asked how he felt. He said, “I am confident — hopefully Bass doesn’t overthink his picks with me, so it’s going to be fun, though.”

The reporter also asked him about his faith in Bass, given last year’s outcome. “Him on draft night — he was so excited about his team. He ended up being like the worst team in the league, so I think I am going to have to calm him down. Be smart about the picks. Don’t be overexcited, you know, but it’s going to be a fun one with him.”

Varsho also shared who his partner is going to be: “Joey.” And when asked how he felt. He said, “Good. Pick somewhere in the middle, going to be good wide receivers there, so we will be excited.”

Well, there’s a history behind the Bassitt jab reporter mentioned. Chris Bassitt was the Blue Jays’ bat boy for a Spring Training game in 2024. They finished bottom of the league, and he wore a “4-10” jersey as punishment. And he wasn’t the first. Tim Mayza had the same thing happen to him in 2023 after he came in last.

While the Blue Jays were having fun with parachute soldiers and fantasy drafts, their performance this season on the diamond is making every swing and every pitch worth watching.

From paratroopers to playoff push: Blue Jays taking off in more ways than one

This season, the Toronto Blue Jays are doing great, especially at home. A 40–20 record at Rogers Centre speaks for itself, wouldn’t you say? Their pitching has been crisp, their hitting has been timely, and the club is buzzing with excitement. Also, overall, they’re at the top of the table with a record of 71-51.

And recently, the Jays have a tough 2–1 win over the Chicago Cubs to boast of. Max Scherzer pitched seven strong innings, giving up only one run. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit his 20th home run of the season in the seventh inning, which changed the game. That triumph was more than simply a mark in the W column. It showed that the Jays can win close games like contenders do.

And sure enough, the projections support the excitement. The Jays have a nearly 99% chance of making the playoffs right now. If they continue to play this way, they will not only make the playoffs but also enter them with significant momentum.

If they keep playing like this in October — bullpen locked, lineup clutch, arms like Scherzer still dominating? There’s a good chance the Blue Jays will be wearing that October ring by the end of the season. Got any speculations? Let us know below!