There is something special about a live event. TV rarely does Stand Up Comedy, Music or Sports justice, and is almost never as good as when you get to be at the actual event.
I could be bias. I do make my living as a professional touring comedian which is kind of like the big wigs from Rogers telling you how great the Corona Roof top bar is to watch a Jays game at. “You gotta try those $16 beers”. That said live is just better in almost every scenario.
I’ve been running the Blue Jays centric Walkoff podcast for almost 4 years now and the online interaction is incredible. A true community of passionate Blue Jays fans has been created. On Twitter (Or X if you want to please overlord Elon), Instagram and especially in the Walkoff Discord, there are constant connections and conversations over the Team and sport we all love.
We run a live roundtable show on Youtube every Sunday called ‘Long Toss’, which is a collection of broadcasters and content creators breaking down the last week in Blue Jays baseball. The comment section is always a riot as Jays fans follow along, chiming in with their thoughts and questions. The constant interaction online did make me wonder what would happen if we brought this show to a live stage.
Last September the live entertainer in me decided to make the leap and attempt to bring this online community of baseball fans together at a live event, and let me tell you it was magic. The show was called Baseball Town and we ran it at the Comedy Bar in Toronto. We had a special guest panel that included Blake Murphy from Sportsnet, Julia Kreuz of MLB. com and Johnny Giunta of Gate 14 (and more). We also had from the Toronto Blue Jays’, Jay Jackson and Davis Schneider. The atmosphere was electric.
The show went so well that when I made the move to Toronto, I decided this had to be a regular get together for Jays fans and baseball nuts. A place for the baseball community to gather in person and nerd out (a Comic Con but for Blue Jays fans).
The first show of 2024 will be this Thursday May 30th at 7pm and will once again be at Comedy Bar (Bloor and Ossington).
It will feature a panel that includes Sho Alli of Jays Talk on Sportsnet 590 The Fan and the boys (Nick and Adam) from the ‘Blue Jays Today’ podcast. There will be a team Roast Battle featuring Toronto comics ruthlessly tearing into each others favourite teams. This months show will be the NY Yankees vs our Toronto Blue Jays.
If you are a baseball nerd and are looking for a place where conversations on why you prefer wRC+ to batting average can be had without eyes glazing over, Baseball Town is for you. This Thursday come on down and see for yourself why live is best. We’ll be taking audience questions and interacting with the crowd all show. If Thursday doesn’t work then come next month June 20th. Baseball Town is here to stay; stop by Comedy Bar for a show this summer and see for yourself.
