As Blue Jays fans across Canada came together to cheer on their team, Game 5 of the American League Division Series was extra special for one Stettler, Alta. boy.
Seven-year-old Roan Heck is celebrating Blue Jays Day at his school, Stettler Elementary.
“I’m the biggest Blue Jays fan,” said Roan. “That would be really cool if they win.”
But, Wednesday’s special day isn’t his first experience with the team.
This summer, his family took a trip to Seattle to see the Jays play. Roan ended up getting the autograph of every single Jays player.
When he was just one year old, Roan lost his left leg in a lawnmower accident. While in Seattle, he hoped to get his custom-designed Blue Jays prosthetic leg signed by slugger Edwin Encarnacion.
Encarnacion signed the leg, but he didn’t stop there. He took the prosthetic into the clubhouse and got the whole team to sign it.
“Russell Martin is right there,” said Roan, pointing at the prosthetic. “And Josh Donaldson’s…is up here somewhere.”
Roan’s older brother Cole handed the leg to Encarnacion.
“It was pretty cool to see how happy and excited Roan was.”
After signing the leg, Encarnacion also started a hitting streak that ended up lasting 26 games.
“At our house, we think Roan’s their good luck charm because ever since they signed his leg they’ve really been hitting the ball and playing some good baseball.”
While Roan’s support can’t be denied, Stettler seems to be a hotbed of fans.
In September, Grade 8 student Brooke Mulgrove threw out the first pitch at a Jays game in Toronto.
With files from Kent Morrison, Global News
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