Victoria baseball fans might soon have the best seat in the house, or rather, on the water.
FRS Clipper is preparing an extra sailing to Seattle on Oct. 15 in case the Blue Jays and Mariners collide in the American League Championship Series (ALCS).
With both teams just one win away from advancing, the Clipper has announced a special 11 a.m. “Playoff Express” trip to Seattle, giving Victoria fans a direct route to Games 3, 4 and 5 at T-Mobile Park from Oct.15 to 17.
The Clipper V will depart Victoria’s Inner Harbour at 11 a.m., arriving in downtown Seattle around 2 p.m. If either team is eliminated in the Division Series, the special sailing will be cancelled and guests will receive a full refund.
“This cross-border baseball showdown would be a home run for fans on both sides, and we’re thrilled to help Blue Jays supporters make the trip south to cheer their team on," said Mark Collins, CEO of FRS Clipper. "The party is starting onboard, and there’s no financial risk when you pre-book your ferry and hotel with us.”
Toronto currently leads its Divisional Series 2-1 over the New York Yankees, with Game 4 set for Oct. 8 at 4:08 p.m.
A win would send the Blue Jays to their first ALCS since 2016.
Meanwhile, Seattle holds a 2-1 lead over the Detroit Tigers, with Game 4 scheduled for 12:08 p.m. on Oct. 8.
The two teams last met in the 2022 AL Wild Card Series, where the Mariners swept Toronto 2-0.
During this year’s regular season, the Blue Jays took four of six games against Seattle, including a sweep at T-Mobile Park in May.
Game 1 of the ALCS will take place on Sunday, Oct. 12.
If the Blue Jays do end up meeting Seattle, a Victoria connection could be right in the thick of it.
Nathan Lukes, who played for the Victoria HarbourCats in the West Coast League in 2014, is now with Toronto.
He played 135 games for the Blue Jays this season, hitting .255 with 65 RBIs and 12 home runs. In the postseason, he is batting .286 with three RBIs.
Back in 2014 with the HarbourCats, the outfielder hit .337 with 24 RBIs in 42 games, showing the promise that has now taken him to the big leagues.
If both teams advance, one of them will be guaranteed a trip to the World Series, which begins Oct. 24.
