Blue Jays announce awesome reward for fans and charity during playoff break

Toronto’s October baseball is starting ahead of schedule. This Wednesday and Thursday, the Rogers Centre will be hosting two intrasquad games in preparation for the first ALDS in 10 years for the Blue Jays.

Open-to-the-public intrasquad scrimmages are a move that rarely occurs in Major League Baseball, especially since they are donating all proceeds to the Jays Care Foundation. Tickets for the two games are on sale for just $10.

First pitch for each game is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET, with gates opening at 3:15 p.m. ET. The tickets are general admission in the lower bowl, and both the Jays Shop and concessions will be open for fans. The games themselves will be short, four–five inning “informal scrimmages,” allowing the Blue Jays to freely rotate pitchers and hitters as needed.

Blue Jays announce awesome reward for fans and charity during playoff break

Aside from the fan involvement aspect, these games will be important for the guys to stay loose, especially the relievers, as they rarely see more than three or four days off at a time, although breaks are beneficial. The starters will most likely use these days as side sessions so that they remain stretched out, while the bullpen arms get in their work.

The hitters, on the other hand, will benefit from live pitching too. The Blue Jays know there’s no substitute for facing live pitching, even with all the tools at their disposal. These scrimmages give hitters a chance to face off against guys who they never see, considering they all play for the same team.

What makes this experience especially special is the tie to the Jays Care Foundation, as all of the proceeds are going directly to the charity. If fans don't know, the Jays Care Foundation is the charitable arm of the Toronto Blue Jays, and they're mission involves using baseball as a tool for social change.

The charity's many programs focus on supporting youth across Canada who face barriers to playing baseball, often due to poverty, disability, or systemic challenges. Through specific programs like Girls At Bat, which empowers girls through sport, and Challenger Baseball, a program for kids living with disabilities, Jays Care involves inclusive spaces for the youth to learn and grow through baseball.

In addition, the foundation also invests in refurbishing and building baseball diamonds in underrepresented communities, which helps to ensure that more kids have access to the game we all love.

At the end of the day, giving fans access to the two intrasquad games is about more than keeping players sharp. The organization will give fans a rare behind-the-scenes look at live, competitive baseball while also supporting a meaningful cause in the Jays Care Foundation.

By tying preparation for October baseball with community impact, the Blue Jays are finding a way to bring players, fans, and the city together before the postseason begins. It’s a reminder that even as the team focuses on winning games, they remain committed to giving back and creating opportunities for youth across Canada.