Toronto Blue Jays fans were outraged after their beloved “Home Plate Lady” was spotted in a new location during the team’s Home Opener on Monday. For years, the iconic superfan has been a fixture behind home plate, known for her stoic expression, prime seating, and unwavering support. Now, relocated amidst Rogers Centre renovations, she’s become an unexpected symbol of fan discontent.
“Who moved Home Plate Lady? It’s not Off To The Side Lady!” “All that money spent and they messed up the only thing that matters,” fumed one fan, while another declared, “This will be our curse. Mark my words.” Her relocation trended on social media, sparking fervent debate among fans.
Who is Home Plate Lady?
A mystery to most, Home Plate Lady has attended countless Jays’ home games, reportedly holding season tickets in that prime location for decades. Her unflinching demeanour, even in the face of near foul-ball hits, has made her a fan favourite. During pandemic border closures, the team honoured her status with a cardboard cutout placed in her usual spot. She even received a standing ovation upon returning to live games in 2021, as Jays fans have been steadfast in their support.
Love this so much. You don’t come home and NOT honour Home Plate Lady. https://t.co/xFgKK77lDW
— Emma Badame (@EmmaTheDame) July 31, 2021
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Rogers Centre Renovations: A Love-Hate Relationship
The home opener showcased the completed multi-year, $400 million Rogers Centre renovations. While the upgraded outfield received praise last year, the changes targeting the lower bowl, dugouts, and field have fans up in arms. Some long-time season ticket holders faced steep price increases for less desirable seats, sparking accusations of the team prioritizing profit over fan loyalty.
Fans expressed mixed opinions of the updated backdrop:
This new setup is so so hard to look at. There is nothing visually appealing about this. #BlueJays #rogerscentre pic.twitter.com/3CtO7rlSCf
— Robert John Boucher (@robert_boucher) April 8, 2024
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Honestly? I LOVE the new backdrop. Clean, modern, vibrant. I always thought the previous background look cluttered and clunky. pic.twitter.com/fZMXMZHTv1
— Blue Jays (Grand) Dad (@BlueJaysDad) April 9, 2024
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
The Blue Jays clarified that all season ticket holders hand-selected their new locations, but for many fans, Home Plate Lady’s relocation epitomizes the perceived indifference. “Maybe she chose the aisle seat, maybe she didn’t. But it feels like the Jays don’t care about their most visible, dedicated fans,” one commenter wrote.
More Than Just a Seat
Home Plate Lady isn’t just a fan; she’s woven into the fabric of the Jays experience. Her presence is both familiar and enigmatic, symbolizing both steadfast support and an old-school fan culture that renovations can erase.
Despite a thrilling victory over the Mariners, fans remain fixated on Home Plate Lady’s plight. Whether a victim of the renovations or simply unbothered by the change, she’s become an unexpected touchstone for wider fan frustration and a reminder that even multi-million dollar renovations can’t replace the human element of sports fandom.
ARTICLE PRESENTED BY BETANO
