With no MLB north of the border in 2020, a look back at most memorable baseball moments on Canadian soil

For the first time since 1968, Major League Baseball will not hold a game in Canada. 

The Canadian government denied the Toronto Blue Jays’ request to play their home games at Rogers Centre this year due to the team’s frequent travel during baseball’s 60-game season that begins July 23. 

Since the Montreal Expos became the Washington Nationals after the 2004 season, Toronto has been MLB’s lone representative in Canada. To lament no baseball north of the border this year, here are some of the best baseball moments on Canadian soil.  

The criteria for this list is that it had to take place in Canada. Apologies to Dennis Martinez, who threw his perfect game on July 28, 1991 against the Dodgers in Los Angeles while pitching for the Montreal Expos. 

Joe Carter’s walk-off home run 

“Touch-em-all, Joe!!” 

Vlad the Lazer

His son, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., is the apple of every Blue Jays fan’s eye now. Vlad Jr. was born in Canada when his pops was building the foundation of his Hall of Fame career with the Expos. 

His arm in right field was such a weapon. Here’s one example: 

Edwin Encarnacion’s wild-card walkoff 

Tied in the 11th, Encarnacion lifted the Jays past the Orioles in the 2016 AL Wild Card Game with a three-run shot. To which, Baltimore Orioles fans scream into the void of night: “Why was Zack Britton just hanging in the bullpen?????” 

Rick Monday lifts Dodgers to Series

The Expos made their lone playoff appearance in the strike-interrupted 1981 season. They defeated the Phillies in the NLDS before falling to the Dodgers in a decisive Game 5. Rick Monday belted a solo homer to break a 1-1 tie in the top of the ninth. 

What we’re reading 

U.S. to blame: The Blue Jays being forced out of Canada for the 2020 season is an indictment of the United States’ handling of the coronavirus pandemic.  

Must-see TV: Draymond Green and Charles Barkley are going to be coworkers. 

‘Please don’t take me’: Braves All-Star Freddie Freeman describes his COVID-19 fight. 

Dwight Howard: The Lakers big man was annoyed he was reported for not wearing a mask at the NBA bubble. 

The ultimate ringer: Former MLB pitcher Jeremy Hellickson is helping his friends on a slow-pitch softball team. 

‘You just have to accept it’: MLB’s new normal emerges as pandemic baseball takes shape. 

Sports on TV 

Golf: The Memorial wraps up with final day coverage on the Golf Channel (1-3:30 p.m.) and CBS (3-6 p.m.)

Soccer: FA Cup 

Chelsea vs. Manchester United, 1:15 p.m., ESPN+

Soccer: MLS is Back (both matches on FS1)

Chicago Fire FC vs. San Jose Earthquakes (8 p.m.)Seattle Sounders FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps (10:30 p.m.) 

Baseball (exhibition)

New York Mets vs. New York Yankees, 7:05 p.m., MLB NetworkChicago Cubs vs. Chicago White Sox, 8 p.m., ESPN

Follow Chris Bumbaca on Twitter @BOOMbaca. 

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