Blue Jays Fever Disrupts Bedtimes for Young Fans Across Toronto

As excitement mounts for the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Championship Series, many young fans are experiencing disrupted bedtimes as they cheer on their team. This phenomenon was evident on Thursday morning when Suzanne Jangda and her two sons arrived late to school after staying up past their usual bedtime to watch the Blue Jays secure a win against the Seattle Mariners in Game 3.

“It was hard for all of us,” Jangda remarked, noting the challenges of balancing sports enthusiasm with early school mornings. She allowed her children to stay up late to witness George Springer hit a home run, which extended their viewing time beyond their typical 8 p.m. bedtime. With the series continuing, Jangda was already preparing for another late night as the Jays faced the Mariners again.

Parents Balance Sports Passion and Sleep Schedules

Like many parents in Toronto, Jangda faces the dilemma of nurturing her children’s love for baseball while ensuring they are rested for school. “It doesn’t happen all the time. Embrace it if you can,” she shared, reflecting on the unique experiences that come with playoff season.

By the evening, Jangda reported that her children were visibly tired, stating, “Turns out my kids are definitely showing TIRED.” With plans to watch the game at a bar with friends, she enforced a strict 8 p.m. bedtime for her sons, acknowledging that without her presence, the allure of the game may not keep them up.

Other parents share similar sentiments. Toronto elementary school teacher Lisa Fujimoto, a devoted Blue Jays supporter, is also navigating the challenges of late nights with her two sons, aged twelve and nine. “We all have Jays fever big-time right now,” she said, observing that the adrenaline from the games seems to help her children stay alert during class.

Fujimoto has implemented rules to manage the situation, ensuring homework is completed before the games and that her boys go to bed immediately after the final pitch. “It’s really motivating for them,” she explained, highlighting that they use downtime during the games to prepare for the next school day.

Individual Strategies for Managing Playoff Excitement

While some parents are more lenient with bedtimes during the playoffs, others maintain stricter routines. Elisha Muskat described her nine-year-old son as “obsessed” with the series. Despite this enthusiasm, she ensured he adhered to his usual 9:30 p.m. bedtime on Wednesday due to an early morning cross-country meet. “He’ll reluctantly fall asleep, waiting for updates from the next room,” she chuckled, showing the balancing act many parents face.

Muskat plans to allow her son to follow Thursday night’s game through MLB.com, emphasizing that bedtime decisions will depend on the game’s progress. “If it’s a close game, I think it’ll be a late night,” she said, reflecting the excitement that has gripped many families.

As the series progresses, parents like Jangda and Fujimoto continue to share cherished memories of their own childhoods watching the Blue Jays. Jangda aims to pass on similar experiences to her children, recalling how impactful it was to witness the Jays win the World Series in 1992. “To be able to see that is huge. I wouldn’t want him to miss that,” she stated, illustrating the emotional significance of these playoff games.

With the Blue Jays capturing the hearts of fans across Toronto, parents are weighing the excitement of the playoffs against the realities of school schedules. As the games unfold, families find creative ways to balance their love for baseball with the essential need for rest, creating lasting memories in the process.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on October 17, 2025.