Just now:Blue Jays Fans Call for Return of Beloved “Home Plate Lady” in Viral Campaign…..
Toronto, June 28, 2025 — Toronto Blue Jays fans have taken to social media with a mix of nostalgia and passion, rallying behind a viral movement calling for the return of the beloved “Home Plate Lady,” a longtime staple of Rogers Centre’s home crowd. The campaign, sparked by a fan’s humorous comment — “As a Blue Jays fan I would definitely want this. 😆 We miss our Home Plate Lady…” — has turned into a full-fledged tribute to a figure many say embodied the soul of the ballpark.
For over a decade, the woman affectionately known as the “Home Plate Lady” — real name, Joan MacDonald — was a familiar sight to fans watching from the stands or on TV broadcasts. Always seated in the prime spot directly behind home plate, her signature glasses, spirited clapping, and unwavering loyalty became something of a legend in Blue Jays culture.
“She was always there, rain or shine, win or lose. It felt like the Jays had another player — not on the field, but right behind them,” said longtime fan Amir Joshi. “The moment the cameras panned to home plate, you’d know she’d be there, clapping along.”
MacDonald became more than just a fan. She was an institution. With her consistent presence at nearly every home game from the early 2000s to just before the COVID-19 pandemic, she represented the heart and tradition of a franchise that has seen its share of ups and downs.
But following the 2020 season — marked by disruptions due to the pandemic and the Blue Jays temporarily relocating to Buffalo and then Dunedin — the Home Plate Lady quietly disappeared from her famous seat. The reasons, while personal and never formally announced, were believed to be a mix of health considerations and shifting priorities in the wake of the pandemic.
Yet in recent weeks, particularly amid a middling 2025 season that has seen the Jays struggling to find consistency, fans have begun to reflect more heavily on the glory days of the past, and the constants that brought comfort. For many, that included Joan.
The original comment that reignited the movement appeared under a Reddit post discussing the current state of the Rogers Centre atmosphere. One user jokingly said, “As a Blue Jays fan I would definitely want this. 😆 We miss our Home Plate Lady.” It was meant lightly, but it hit home.
The sentiment quickly spread across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and fan forums. Hashtags like #BringBackHomePlateLady and #WeMissJoan began trending locally. Fans have even started a petition calling for the Blue Jays organization to honor her legacy — whether by inviting her back to a game, naming a seat after her, or creating a special “Superfan” section in her honor.
“I think it would be amazing if she came back just once,” said Toronto resident and season ticket holder Melina Ortega. “Even if she can’t do the whole season anymore, we just want to show her how much she meant to us.”
As of now, the Blue Jays have not issued a formal statement on the campaign. However, insiders suggest the team is well aware of the growing buzz.
“We’re always grateful for the passion and support of our fans,” said a spokesperson for the club when asked about the movement. “We’ve seen the posts, and it means a lot to see the community come together over something so meaningful.”
Whether or not Joan MacDonald ever returns to her famous seat behind home plate, one thing is clear — she has already etched her place in Blue Jays history. And for fans yearning for a spark during a tough season, the memory of her steady, enthusiastic presence behind the plate is a symbol of the team spirit they hope to reignite.
In the words of one fan’s tweet: “Baseball is about more than stats. It’s about heart. And the Home Plate Lady had more of it than anyone I’ve ever seen.”