Oakville dad watches Jays historic Game 6 with newborn son in hospital

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Sometimes you just gotta watch the Jays game.

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In the case of new father and lifelong Blue Jays fan Mark, that meant having Game 6 of the ALCS Championship on his laptop computer on Oct. 19 while holding his brand-new baby son, Julian, who was born at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital around 11 a.m. that day.

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“We had the game on my laptop,” Mark said via Halton Healthcare, which oversees the hospital. “I couldn’t cheer quite as much with the baby on my lap, but we were definitely rooting for them from here.”

As the new family prepared to head home, both father and son were dressed for the occasion in Blue Jays gear.

“He’s already a Jays fan, that’s not even a question,” Mark said proudly, who named his baby after his middle name.

“I’m so excited to raise the next generation of Jays fans. I can’t wait to take him to his first Jr. Jays game and watch him run the bases.”

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Halton Healthcare communications spokesperson Isabella Krzykala added: “The baby didn’t have to wait long to (see the Jays) go the World Series (as decided in Game 7 on Oct. 20).”

Turns out Halton Healthcare’s three hospitals – Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, Milton District Hospital, and Georgetown Hospital – are serious when it comes to the Jays.

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.

“Welcoming new babies during such a historic time has been incredible,” Cheryl Hoare, director women and children, said in a statement. “It’s a way to make families smile and remind them that they’re part of something special happening across the country.”

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Staff and physicians will also be sporting jerseys, ball caps and themed scrub caps, and playing the big game on TVs in patient waiting rooms and staff break rooms.

Every game day, Halton Healthcare has been welcoming on average 12-14 newborn babies, who are “born ready” Jays fans.

“Sports have a way of bringing people together,” Cheryl Williams, EVP Clinical Operations and Chief Nursing Executive, Halton Healthcare, said in a statement.

“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.”

jstevenson@postmedia.com

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