Toronto Sun Readers Crown Blue Jays as Top Local Sports Team in Exclusive Poll
In a recent survey conducted by the Toronto Sun, readers have cast their votes to determine the top five favorite local sports teams, with the Toronto Blue Jays emerging as the clear favorite. This outcome comes as no surprise, given the Blue Jays' impressive run to the World Series last year, while the Maple Leafs face a challenging season. The poll reflects the passionate opinions of Toronto sports enthusiasts, who value both historical success and current performance.
Blue Jays Lead the Pack with Historic Legacy and Fan Support
The Toronto Blue Jays, celebrating their 50th season, secured the top spot in the rankings. Originally playing at Exhibition Stadium before moving to Rogers Centre in 1989, the team has a rich history. Between 1985 and 1993, they dominated the AL East, winning five division championships and achieving back-to-back World Series victories in 1992 and 1993. More recently, they made a thrilling World Series appearance in 2025, though they fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a decisive game seven.
Mark Shapiro, President and CEO of the Toronto Blue Jays, expressed gratitude in a statement to the Sun, saying, "We have the best fans and are grateful for their unwavering support. Last season was truly special – uniting our country, capturing the heart of the nation, and connecting generations of Blue Jays fans while inspiring millions of new ones. Our fans bring the energy to the ballpark every game. We have lots of exciting festivities in store for fans this season as we celebrate our 50th season."
Maple Leafs Claim Second Place Despite Struggles
Following the Blue Jays, the Toronto Maple Leafs ranked second in the poll. Founded in 1917 as the Toronto Arenas and later rebranded as the Maple Leafs in 1927, the team boasts 13 Stanley Cup wins, second only to the Montreal Canadiens. However, their last championship victory was in 1967, and this season, they have been eliminated from playoff contention, leading to ongoing restructuring efforts within the hockey department.
Argonauts, Rock, and Raptors Round Out the Top Five
The remaining teams in the top five showcase Toronto's diverse sports landscape:
- Toronto Argonauts: Ranked third, the Argonauts are the oldest professional sports team in North America still using its original name, founded in 1873. They have won the Grey Cup a record 19 times, most recently in 2024, and currently play at BMO Field after moving from Rogers Centre in 2016.
- Toronto Rock: In fourth place, the Toronto Rock competes in the National Lacrosse League, with home games at TD Coliseum in Hamilton. Originally the Ontario Raiders, the team relocated to Toronto in 1999 and has won six league championships, the last in 2011.
- Toronto Raptors: Rounding out the list at fifth, the Raptors were founded in 1995 as part of the NBA's expansion into Canada. They play at Scotiabank Arena and won their first NBA championship in 2019, a historic moment that drew massive crowds to victory celebrations.
Fan Engagement and Future Polls
The Toronto Sun encourages readers to continue participating by suggesting topics for future Top 5 polls. Ideas can range from local favorites, such as swimming areas, to broader Ontario themes like weekend getaways or online entertainment. Readers are invited to share their thoughts via email at torsun.online@sunmedia.ca, fostering ongoing community engagement and dialogue.
This poll not only highlights the enduring loyalty of Toronto sports fans but also underscores the city's vibrant athletic culture, where tradition and modern achievements intersect to create a dynamic fan experience.
