Yankee Stadium erupted in a chorus of loud boos as “O Canada” echoed through the stands ahead of Game 3 of the American League Division Series clash between the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees.
The boos cascaded through the stadium as anthem singer Graham Rowat took the stage, intensifying as the Broadway actor concluded his performance. However, the mood quickly shifted as a spectacular American flag unfurled in the outfield, prompting a thunderous cheer from the crowd as Rowat began serenading with “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
On a related note, the Blue Jays seized victories in the first two games of the best-of-five series at Rogers Centre over the weekend, marking the inaugural post-season encounter between the longtime AL East Division rivals.
The atmosphere was electric in the first inning when Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr. belted a two-run homer, propelling the Blue Jays to an early lead and reigniting the boos from some disgruntled fans.
Notably, anthem booing had been a prevalent phenomenon across North American sports venues earlier in the year amid tariff-related tensions between Canada and the United States, although the fervor waned after a brief period.
Hailing from Peterborough, Ont., now stationed in New York, Rowat boasts an impressive career in the world of musical theatre, having graced productions like “Guys and Dolls,” “Mamma Mia!,” and “Beauty and the Beast.”