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becoming an instant jays fan

Fans photographed during a Toronto Blue Jays vs New York Yankees game at the Rogers centre on Sept 27 2012. The season started off looking promising but the Jays won't be seeing post season action this year.Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail

Heads up Arrive early to the park on designated Bobblehead Days. Tiny, wobble-headed likenesses of Edwin Encarnacion (April 21) and Brett Lawrie (Aug. 11) are free to the first 20,000 fans.

Game Zaun The irrepressible Gregg Zaun, a former Jay catcher and current television analyst, is the Don Cherry of baseball broadcasts, what with his loud opinions and louder fashion sense. At the ballpark, drop by the Rogers Sportsnet studio down the third base line to meet him.

A Night at the Opera Jays fans flock to Opera Bob's Public House at Ossington and Dundas. On certain nights, away games are shown on the flatscreen (with sound on) and peanuts, popcorn and ballpark franks are free.

Dickeypedia R.A. Dickey is the team's new ace pitcher. He tosses knuckleballs and good quotes, both with as little spin as possible.

The Buffalo shuffle After four years of having its Triple-A farm team in Las Vegas, the Jays have moved their top minor-league squad to Buffalo. It's a quick zip down the turnpike to catch the Jays of tomorrow.

Room-service fastballs The Renaissance Downtown Toronto Hotel offers 340 rooms – 70 of them overlooking the field. Great for out-of-town fans or anyone seeking a unique baseball experience.

Best seats, bar none There are two lounges on the second-level concourse, one down the first base line and the other along the third base line. A 200-level ticket gives you the right (if you get there quick enough before the game begins) to snatch a window table and watch the game in unparalleled, well-hydrated comfort.

All's Farrell in Love and War Make sure to lustily hiss and boo the former Jay manager John Farrell when he slinks into town this season. The turncoat field boss begged his way out of his Toronto contract last year in order to take a "dream job" with the rival Boston Red Sox.

Listen to the radio, with Great Frequency Jerry Howath, who excels with a smooth, image-laden delivery, is the best voice of a Fan 590 radio team well worth dialling in.

What a Rush Throwing out the first pitch for Tuesday's home opener is Geddy Lee, the banshee-voiced lead singer of the power-rock trio Rush. The Willowdale-raised Lee, a long-time fan, has season's tickets behind home plate.

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