Edmonton’s deaf community gears up for Blue Jays’ World Series return
Posted October 23, 2025 8:17 pm.
It was George Springer’s home run that punched the Toronto Blue Jays’ ticket to the 2025 World Series, and baseball fans across the country are ready for the championship round.
Businesses and community centres are organizing watch parties for local fans, including Edmonton’s Association of the Deaf.
“I was busy with sports and deaf sports, and it’s really been a big part of my life,” said Donald McCarthy, a longtime Blue Jays fan. “Out in the hearing world, it’s not as inclusive, so it’s kind of difficult. Here in this space, it is very deaf-friendly and we’re able to communicate with ASL and our facial expressions, so it’s awesome.”
McCarthy coached and coordinated at the Deaf Olympics and says he’s thrilled to see the Blue Jays return to the World Series for the first time since their back-to-back championships in 1992 and 1993. McCarthy says he’ll be watching the Jays chase another title at the Edmonton Association of the Deaf.
The president of the Edmonton Association of the Deaf says this watch party will be much like others around the city, with beers, snacks, and fans rallying together to cheer on their favourite team.
He adds that while the deaf community is pleased to see sports become more accessible with ASL interpreters and subtitles, there’s still progress to be made when it comes to live events.
“When you watch at home or a community centre, you have the option to put closed captions and be able to see that on the screen, but for live sports and auditoriums, it’s something we need to get caught up on,” said Kamil Burnat, president of the Edmonton Association of the Deaf.
The excitement of seeing Canada’s only Major League Baseball team back in the World Series has sparked watch parties across the country, including in Edmonton.
McCarthy says he wants the Jays to win it all.
“I feel like that would be amazing,” said McCarthy. “It would be a win for the country. It would just be incredible if they won it all.”
The Blue Jays take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the World Series at 6 p.m. Friday.
