Canadians take out their flags (on their roots backpacks) when they leave our borders and quickly hides them upon return. You might not know it was Canada day as Euro cup fans, attached either ethnically or culturally, waved green and yellow. The Italians gave away one-fourth of the Spanish Bank bail-out and four rather graceful goals this month. The Spaniards needed it.
For my Canada Day, had the option attending a Jay’s vs. LA Angel’s game in some of the nicest seats in the skydome. I wore a new Swiss-red shirt for the occasion. I like baseball because it is interesting and not too serious. Yet there was nothing but seriousness for the fans. The Canada Day celebrators were especially un-Canadian as they boo-ed Stephen Harper, the opposing team and our own pitchers.
The fans erupted with discontent at the sight of Stephen Harper (they were much less dis-satisfied with the subject Stephen Harper was introducing, the Canadian Army). Why the stadium was so against a Prime Minister that represents the majority of Canadian voters and that has done a good job leading Canada out of the recession is beyond me (http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2012/06/30/conrad-black-the-end-of-canadas-love-affair-with-the-un/). Why the stadium seems so content with our armed forces yet discontent with their greatest sponsor is dichotomous to say the least. I imagined the game taking place in LA but could not imagine the fans boo-ing Obama. I must say, this is a poor showing on Canada Day.
Then there were times where the crowds would berate the opposing pitcher for checking runners at first and second. This is an important function to ensure a less of a lead-off. Indeed it could be the difference between hitting third and scoring. The rudeness displayed by a country that proclaims to be polite is astounding.
Finally, a Jay’s reliever allowed two home runs in one inning. He was effectively boo-ed off the stage. They say sports bring out the best in people. It certainly doesn’t bring out the best in the fan(atics) who effectively turn their minds off for three hours and subject themselves to crowd mentality. A little more solidarity for Canada’s only major league baseball team on our national holiday would have been appreciated.