October 23, 2025 (Halton Region, ON) — As the Toronto Blue Jays step up to the plate in the World Series, Halton Healthcare hospitals are joining the excitement — and using sports spirit to bring smiles, connection, and a little extra joy to patients, families, and staff.
Across Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, Milton District Hospital, and Georgetown Hospital, the Blue Jays buzz is alive and well. From staff and physicians sporting jerseys, ball caps and themed scrub caps, to playing the big game on TVs in patient waiting rooms and staff break rooms, the organization is embracing the “One Team” spirit.
“Our hospitals are full of passionate fans, and this historic run has brought a real sense of excitement and togetherness,” says Cheryl Williams, EVP Clinical Operations and Chief Nursing Executive, Halton Healthcare. “Moments like this remind us that care isn’t just about medicine — it’s about connection, community, and celebrating what brings people joy.”
Some of the most memorable moments are taking place in the labour and delivery units, where babies born during memorable game moments are being celebrated with special “rookie” gifts — including tiny bats, baseballs, and Blue Jays-themed keepsakes to commemorate their big league debut. Parents can even pick up a Blue Jays onesie in some of the hospital gift shops.
“Welcoming new babies during such a historic time has been incredible,” says Cheryl Hoare, Director Women and Children. “It’s a way to make families smile and remind them that they’re part of something special happening across the country.”
Halton Healthcare has been welcoming on average 12-14 newborn baby Jays every game day, who are now “born ready” Jays fans. One of them was baby Julian who was born on October 19 – the day of a victorious game 6.
“We had the game on my laptop,” said Dad Mark who is a lifelong Jays fan. “I couldn’t cheer quite as much with the baby on my lap, but we were definitely rooting for them from here.”
Dad says Julian is “already a Jays fan, that’s not even a question.” And adds, “I’m so excited to raise the next generation of Jays fans.”
On October 20, when the Jays won a historic game 7 punching their ticket to the World Series, Marc and Sheena were in hospital welcoming baby Anabella.
"First thing I asked was if I'm buying this cable package at the hospital as I need to make sure it has Sportsnet,” Marc said laughing. “When they confirmed they had it I was like, okay, I'll make the purchase then. Because there was no way I could miss the game."
In fact during the playoff run, Halton Healthcare has seen a significant increase in patients subscribing to in-room tv cable services with numbers more than doubling. One of the biggest increases seen was at Georgetown Hospital during the Jays-Mariners match up with subscription numbers suggesting that all inpatient TVs were active.
As for what it was like to know that Anabella was born on a such a memorable day, Dad Marc responded “Amazing. When Springer hit that home run, I was trying really hard not to scream, because I tend to do that sometimes at home at the TV. It was an absolutely incredible moment."
Meanwhile in Paediatrics, a Blue Jays themed play cart is helping bring smiles to kids with crafts, games and “trading cards” based on the program’s team members to help children build familiarity and comfort with those providing their care. Baseball scavenger hunts are also being arranged to encourage hospitalized children, who are able to do so, to get up and move while looking for baseball themed items around the floor.
“Sports have a way of bringing people together,” adds Williams. “Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just joining the bandwagon, it’s about belonging — and that sense of belonging is exactly what we want our patients and staff to feel every day at Halton Healthcare.”
As the Blue Jays continue their quest for World Series glory, one thing is certain — Halton Healthcare is cheering them on, loud and proud!
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