As the Toronto Blue Jays prepare for game one of the World Series tonight, millions across Canada will be keeping an eye on the game, and the series, until a winner is crowned.
However, many in Buffalo will also be watching to see how the Jays do against the defending-champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
Toronto's Triple-A affiliate, the Buffalo Bisons, often see many of the current-day Blue Jays in their lineup throughout the season. Whether it's someone working their way to the big leagues like upstart pitcher Trey Yesavage, or a seasoned veteran like Max Scherzer on a rehab stint following an injury, the ties between the Bisons and Blue Jays are tight.
Voice of the Bisons Pat Malacaro says because of this close affiliation, there are a lot of Jays fans in Buffalo.
During the COVID-19 shortened season, the Blue Jays played out of the Bisons' Sahlen Field for their home games, as travelling back and forth across the border wasn't feasible at the time.
Malacaro says things like this have only increased the number of Jays fans in the border city, which means lots of them regularly make the trip up the QEW to see games.
18 members of the Blue Jays played at least one game for the Bisons this season, which means the coaching staff from both teams also work closely together.
Malacaro says this working relationship is a testament to the ownership of the Jays.
This is the Jays first World Series appearance since 1993, when they won back to back championships.
(Written by: Matt Latour)