82-Year-Old Superfan Returns Just in Time for Blue Jays Home Opener, Keeps 47-Year Streak Alive…
Toronto, July 1, 2025 — After a brief hiatus that had fans and players alike holding their breath, legendary Blue Jays superfan Mabel Kingston made a triumphant return today, walking proudly through the Rogers Centre gates for her 47th consecutive Blue Jays home opener. The 82-year-old retired school librarian from Etobicoke arrived in full team gear, waving to cheering crowds as stadium staff welcomed her back with flowers, hugs, and a special video tribute on the jumbotron.
Kingston, who has attended every single Blue Jays home opener since the team’s inaugural season in 1977, became something of a local icon over the decades. But this year’s attendance was in doubt after Mabel underwent hip surgery in March and spent weeks recovering in a rehabilitation center. Doctors had advised her to take it easy — but Mabel had other plans.
“I told them I’d heal faster if I had a goal,” she said, laughing. “And there’s no better motivation than the boys in blue.”
Despite her family’s concerns and the unpredictable July weather, Mabel insisted on being at the stadium in person. “I don’t Zoom into history,” she joked. “I show up.”
Blue Jays players took notice. Before the game, slugger Bo Bichette jogged over to her seat near the third-base line to deliver a signed bat and a hug. “She’s part of the team,” he said. “Her energy is just as important as any of ours on the field.”
Longtime fans recognize her immediately. “She’s always got this massive blue foam finger and a cowbell,” said Derek Mason, who has sat in the same section as Kingston for 12 years. “When she’s here, it just feels like opening day.”
This year, stadium officials gave Kingston a pre-game honor: throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. “I haven’t thrown anything since I tossed a chalkboard eraser in ‘89,” she said with a grin. Still, she delivered a surprisingly accurate underhand toss to the delight of the crowd.
Mabel’s legendary streak has inspired generations. Her grandson, Ethan, now 24, credits her for his own love of baseball. “Every year, she’d take me out of school for opening day,” he recalled. “She called it our ‘annual field trip to the SkyDome.’”
Though Kingston says each home opener holds special memories — from seeing Joe Carter’s early homers to the modern era of Vlad Jr. — she insists today’s game was among the most emotional.
“I didn’t think I’d make it back this year,” she admitted, misty-eyed. “But here I am. The anthem, the crowd, the crack of the bat — it’s everything I love about this city.”
Asked whether she’ll be back next year for opener number 48, Kingston simply raised her foam finger and smiled: “You bet your Blue Jays I will.”
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