Chris Bassitt, a former pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, delivers a raw and honest reflection on their World Series defeat to the Los Angeles Dodgers, leaving fans with a lingering sense of 'what could have been'.
The 2024 World Series between these two baseball powerhouses is etched in history as an epic battle, but the Blue Jays' perspective is undoubtedly more bitter than sweet. Rising from the bottom to the top of the American League East, they swept aside the Yankees and Mariners, reaching their third-ever World Series. With a rich history of back-to-back titles in the early 90s, the Blue Jays were poised for a historic third championship.
But the Dodgers had other plans, snatching victory in Games 6 and 7 at the Blue Jays' home turf, Rogers Centre. This made the Dodgers the first team since the Yankees of 1998-2000 to win consecutive World Series titles.
Bassitt, speaking to the Baltimore Banner, candidly admits the loss still haunts him. He believes the Blue Jays fell short, and the only way to truly move on is to win the championship. He acknowledges the growth that comes from failure but emphasizes the need to learn from mistakes and take responsibility.
Bassitt's sentiments echo those of his former teammate, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who was involved in a controversial baserunning play in Game 7. Kiner-Falefa also expressed that winning a World Series is the ultimate redemption.
Bassitt's performance in the World Series was impressive, conceding only one run in six innings across five games. That lone run came in the sixth inning of Game 7, sealing the fate of the Blue Jays.
Now, as Bassitt moves on to the Baltimore Orioles, the Blue Jays are left with a sense of unfinished business. The 2025 World Series captivated audiences, averaging 34 million viewers across North America and Japan, a 19% increase from the previous year. Game 7 alone drew 51 million viewers, becoming the most-watched MLB game since 1991.
And here's where it gets intriguing: Was this World Series truly a failure for the Blue Jays, or is there more to the story? Could their journey inspire others to learn from setbacks and strive for greatness? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
