Blue Jays Embrace New Era Away from Tropicana Field

TORONTO — When 10-year-old Bo Bichette attended a 2008 American League Championship Series game at Tropicana Field, the atmosphere was electric. With cowbells ringing and cownose stingrays swimming in the right field tank, it was a memorable experience.

However, when Bichette made his Major League Baseball debut at Tropicana Field in 2019, he noted the mood had changed. “The vibe was different,” Bichette said. “Obviously there wasn’t a lot of fans, it was a little darker in there. It just didn’t feel much like a ballpark.”

The Toronto Blue Jays have struggled at Tropicana Field, compiling an 18-32 record in games played there since Bichette’s debut. Historically, Toronto’s record at the venue is 92-144, giving them a winning percentage of just .390. This season, the Blue Jays won’t have a chance to improve that record, which has become a source of frustration.

Due to Hurricane Milton damaging the stadium’s roof last October, the Rays are hosting all home games this season at George M. Steinbrenner Field, the spring training facility for the New York Yankees. Bichette and his teammates reflected on the challenges of playing at Tropicana Field.

Daulton Varsho described the unique elements of the ballpark. “I don’t even know if there’s a word to describe it,” he said. “It’s just … different.” Varsho highlighted the cream-colored roof that causes confusion for outfielders. “I just remember a couple balls that went up into the ceiling,” he recalled.

Pitcher Chris Bassitt, who has played five games at Tropicana, likened it to “playing in a tent.” He mentioned losing fly balls and facing struggles with the mound, which he believes is irregularly tall compared to other MLB fields. “The way that you’re pitching, the way you’re landing, where your body’s reacting, is completely different,” Bassitt explained, stating that it affects his mechanics.

Even the Blue Jays’ bats have had difficulties at Tropicana Field. Over the past five years, the team has maintained a .234 batting average with a .385 slugging percentage in Tampa Bay, compared to .256 and .423 at other parks. Varsho and Bichette pointed to the park’s dark lighting as an additional challenge for hitters.

While moving to Steinbrenner Field presents its own set of uncertainties, some Blue Jays, including Varsho and Ernie Clement, expressed their nostalgia for Tropicana Field. Clement commented on the stadium’s “relaxing vibe” and noted its impressive infield quality. However, the team’s disappointing record at the venue weighs heavily. “I’m not too sad that it’s gone,” Bassitt remarked.