Harper and Mulcair blamed for Blue Jays losses on social media

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper took in a Toronto Blue Jays game Monday evening. The Jays lost and people on social media are blaming him for it. Similar sentiments followed NDP Leader Tom Mulcair's visit (and a Jays loss) in mid-August.

The Jays lose both times federal leaders bring their campaigns to the Rogers Centre

Haydn Watters CBC News Posted: Sep 01, 2015 12:57 PM EDT | Last Updated: September 1, 2015

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper looks on as Toronto Blue Jays alumnus Roberto Alomar, right, introduces his brother, Cleveland Indians first base coach Sandy Alomar Jr. (Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper took his campaign to the ball game Monday evening, touring aToronto Blue Jays battingpractice, interviewing baseball great Roberto Alomar andstaying for thegame against theCleveland Indians.

The Blue Jays had a monumental August, with thedebut oface lefty David Price, sold-out games at the Rogers Centreand theirrise to the top of theAmerican League East standings.

"It's like the '90s all over again. People are back into it, they are back into the Blue Jays," said Harper, in his one-on-one interview with Alomar, which wasposted to his Twitter account.

"I don't think this team's ever looked stronger."

Butthe Indians beat the Blue Jays4-2, ending a landmark month with a loss.

Manyon social media peggedthe losson Harper's attendance a correlation that morphedinto causation.

This is all Harper's fault #BlueJays
—@gabehurl

Harper: Bringer of Pain. #bluejays pic.twitter.com/AhtGKI3HyE
—@JPBoutros

So you know Stephen Harper has doomed the Blue Jays right? Ok.
—@T_Balazo

TRADE HARPER. #bluejays
—@thechrisws

After the loss, there were plenty of calls for Harper to stay away from the winning team.

hey @pmharper please STAY AWAY FROM THE BLUE JAYS
—@hockeyesque

Dear Prime Minister Harper: Please stay away from the #BlueJays for the rest of the season. Thanks. Signed, Canada. #BlueJaysNation
—@DonBradshawNTV

Some tied the loss to thebadeconomic newsthat's dominating campaign news onTuesday.

The #BlueJays offence, like the Canadian economy, has dried up under Stephen Harper's watch tonight. pic.twitter.com/MTlbyz1osY
—@Legopolis

Great Harper starts a #BlueJays recession
—@PaulBromby

Others seemed to think the team's loss was all part of Conservative Party election policy.

So the Harper campaign bus was at the Blue Jays game and the Jays lost. Stephen Harper: tough on baseball.
—@redlianak

Harper met withBlue Jays general manager John Gibbons, who is apparentlya big fan of the Conservative leader.

Gibbons said Harper seemed like a "great guy" during a post-game press conference, according tothe Blue Jays website.

"I told him I love his politics. We're both probably outnumbered in town here, but I told him I love his politics."

Those comments got people talking.

@Sportsnet @BlueJays Tell John Gibbons he's definitely in the minority loving "Harper's politics". #sticktobaseball #MLB #cdnpoli
—@IAMRockwell

JOHN GIBBONS STEPHEN HARPER CONFIRMED
—@MikeBElliott

Some thought it was no surprise Gibbons supported Harper's politics.

Gibbons is from Texas. It'd be more shocking if he didn't share Harper's politics. Despite that #Gibbythebest pic.twitter.com/VnT1BNiQOO
—@CarcelMousineau

It's not the first time the Jays have choked with a federal leader ata game.The Jays also lost when NDP Leader Tom Mulcairwas in attendance.

Mulcairtook in the Aug.14 game against the New York Yankees, where the Jays lost 4-3. Theloss ended an 11-game winning streak.

Great to #ComeTogether with my sons to watch the @BlueJays take on the Yankees. Let's make it 12 in a row. TM pic.twitter.com/ekK6EYJrOW
—@ThomasMulcair

Mulcair attends a #Jays game, they lose. Harper attends a Jays game, they lose. Please, Justin, don't go near the Dome. #BlueJays #cdnpoli
—@cwakelin

Great, Harper's at the @BlueJays game. So we'll lose just like when Mulcair went and killed an 11 game win streak. pic.twitter.com/gqe3yRBSze
—@theselfishsloth

Some are keeping tabs on Blue Jays losses vs. federal leaders in the crowd...

During #elxn42, Harper and Mulcair have gone to a #BlueJays game. The Jays are 0-2. @JustinTrudeau and @ElizabethMay, take notes. #cdnpoli
—@JonWiseman

Harper at the game, we lose. Mulcair at the game, we lose. Come to a game, Justin. If we win, I'll vote for you... #BlueJays #cndpoli
—@calumshanlin

And others want campaign stops at Blue Jays games to be banned altogether.

Alright. Moratorium on party leaders at Blue Jays games. Go away. #elxn42 #jays #cdnpoli
—@csmithpoli

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