Where to grab your post-season Blue Jays swag in Toronto

Ah, fall in Toronto: that magical season for pumpkin-spiced sweater-weather and cottage-country leaf-turning treks. And, for the first time since the crack of Joe Carter’s bat thrilled the nation in ‘93, the Blue Jays are in playoff baseball again. Bandwagon? Bah! Parade your post-season pride with unique apparel from these local TO retailers. [photo courtesy of The Drake Hotel]

By Dan Leahul

Drake General Store

1

2607 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4P 2J1

• Phone Number
  • 416-966-0553Primary
• Directions

Not only is it the west end's coolest hotel-slash-music venue-slash-gallery space-slash-café-and-cocktail-bar, but it also houses an irresistibly hip gift shop and general store (complete with its satellite location on Yonge Street). Amongst the beard oils, beeswax, and other curated Canadiana, you'll find the Drake’s limited-run Japanese Blue Jays tees and hoodies produced in-house and perhaps a nod to fan-favourite infielder Munenori Kawasaki.

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Crywolf

2

605 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1K6

• Phone Number
  • 647-729-7078Primary
• Directions

With a perpetual finger on the pulse of the city’s disposition (their Rob Ford “You Crack Me Up” buttons were a national sensation years back), this chill-meets-chic Ossington shop showcases local artists, mainly in the medium of the t-shirt. We especially love the "Turonno" toques, emblazoned in brilliant Blue Jay blue.

October's Very Own

3

899 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1V9

• Phone Number
  • 716-465-8533Primary
• Directions

No word on whether we'll see Mr. Aubrey Graham sitting behind the bleachers this post-season (with or without his trusty lint roller) like he does when his Raps are in town, but the OVO fall fashion line-up shows a decidedly baseball-inspired tilt. Grab an OVO Athletics tee to show off the city you’re reppin’.

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The Sport Gallery

4

55 Mill St, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4

• Phone Number
  • 416-861-8514Primary
• Directions

Sure, the Jays have only been around since 1977, but fortunately for us The Sports Gallery operates in a very different, much more nostalgic alternate reality. Their beautifully crafted "vintage-inspired" line of memorabilia imagines a Jays team that was swingin' when the Babe Ruths and Ty Cobbs of the world ruled the roost.

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Muttonhead

5

337 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON M6R 2M8

• Phone Number
  • 647-341-4415Primary
• Directions

Sure, this local clothing brand singlehandedly unleashed an epidemic of "mankles" on Toronto with the release of their trademark Baseball Pant, but damned if we don't just love them anyways. Be sure to check out the athletic-inspired, beautifully crafted goods at their Roncy brick-and-mortar shop.

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New Era Retail Canada Corp

6

202 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1Z2

• Phone Number
  • 416-597-2277Primary
• Directions

Do you have a head? If yes, that's wonderful, you'll definitely find something at this sprawling two-storey love-letter to the humble baseball cap. If you answered no, please seek medical attention immediately (or be my guest at this year's Halloween party).

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More from Dan Leahul

Dan Leahul is a full-time drifter, sometimes writer and recent transplant to Toronto. When he’s not out riding his bike he can typically be found lamenting over his broken bike. He is testament that a creative mind can endure a steady diet of single malt and low-sodium ripple chips.

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