Toronto Blue Jays delay game for Hall of Excellence opening

The Toronto Blue Jays delayed their Saturday game against the Seattle Mariners at Rogers Centre to host a ceremony for the opening of a new Hall of Excellence. The space, part of the franchise’s 50th-anniversary season, replaces the former Level of Excellence and enshrines 11 honorees, including José Bautista, Roy Halladay, and Dave Stieb.

Former catcher, manager, and broadcaster Buck Martinez was the featured inductee. Following a ceremonial first pitch, the game commenced at 3:49 p.m. ET.

The Blue Jays and Mariners are scheduled to meet again on Sunday at 1:37 p.m. ET, with Logan Gilbert expected to start for Seattle and Max Scherzer projected to start for Toronto.