RCMP represents Canada at the Blue Jays playoff run in Toronto
By Alexandra Cotroneo
The RCMP Colour Party at the Blue Jays' game.
Image by Nick Turchiaro via Imagn Images
March 26, 2026
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"The second I stepped onto the field I was filled with pride; I wanted to cry." Corporal Erin Power was overwhelmed when she marched onto the ballfield in Toronto. More than 55,000 frenzied fans filled the stadium, cheering with wild-eyed excitement for their team, the Toronto Blue Jays, competing in the playoffs.
Across Canada, millions more tuned in to watch the Jays' exciting run to the World Series finals. During their home games, the spotlight inside Toronto's Rogers Centre wasn't only on the players preparing for the first pitch. Ahead of several pivotal post-season games, a different symbol of Canadian pride stepped onto the field: the RCMP.
Wearing our iconic Red Serge, seven members of the RCMP would march into centre field carrying flags for the opening ceremonies, proudly representing our organization and our country. We call this the RCMP Colour Party. It is an in integral part of the RCMP's ceremonial duties where officers march in procession carrying various countries' national flags. Our officers typically consider it an honour to be chosen to be part of it. But this was something far above and beyond typical.
This year, there was an electric charge in the air. This year was different. This year, this team had what it takes to win it all, and all of Canada was behind them. As a result, the officers understood the magnitude of the moment. This was about more than baseball.
More than a game
For Power, who's served the RCMP since 2016, the invitation came as a complete surprise.
"I was floored. I didn't think there would ever be a chance. I love live sports and I'm a frequent Blue Jays visitor, but this was different," she says. "When we walked out, the crowd erupted. I had chills the whole time and couldn't wipe the smile off my face."
Every detail leading up to that moment had to be exact: the red uniform pressed and inspection-ready, medals polished, boots shined, and drill movements rehearsed repeatedly. For RCMP officers the Red Serge is more than a ceremonial uniform, it is a globally recognized symbol of Canada's history and values.
"Every time I wear the Red Serge, I feel proud, but representing Canada in front of that many people was another level," says Power.
55,000 Canadians
For Staff Sergeant Major Yves Labbé, who has 21 years of service with the RCMP, the playoff run meant taking on an additional responsibility: sharing the coordination and command of the Colour Party with Sergeant Major Damien Smith including the World Series matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
"When you're asked to be the commander, you feel the honour and the pressure," says Labbé. "You're representing the RCMP and Canada to the entire world."
Preparation extended far beyond game day, however. As Commander, Labbé had to ensure uniforms were meticulous. Flags were carefully ordered and handled, drill choreography was practiced until movements were instinctive, and coordination with stadium production teams ensured the ceremony aligned precisely with broadcast timing.
Still, nothing fully prepared them for the anthem.
"When 'O Canada' ended, we were inches from each other and couldn't hear a word over [the noise of] 55,000 people. That place was electric," says Labbé. "I had to yell 'Quick March' louder than I ever have in my life….and it worked."
For him, the moment represented unity at its most visible.
"It's pride and honour," he says. "That's what it comes down to."
A career highlight
It was Sergeant Augustine Chung's third time representing the RCMP during a major national sports event. But Game 6 of the ALCS stood out as a career-defining experience in his 29 years of service, even more than representing the RCMP at the Canadian Open and Grey Cup.
"I was thrilled to be chosen. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," says Chung.
Despite decades in uniform, stepping onto the field in front of more than 55,000 fans still brought nerves.
"When you're standing in front of that many people, it's hard not to feel nervous," says Chung. "But any time I get to represent the RCMP, and our country, it is an honour and a pleasure."
He says downtown Toronto was buzzing with anticipation the night of the game.
"It was so loud, so electric," he recalls. "You could feel how much it meant to people."
The moment also reflected a deeper connection between the Jays and the Mounties.
"The RCMP has been a longstanding and valued partner of the Toronto Blue Jays, and their presence has elevated some of the most memorable moments in our history—from World Series celebrations to Opening Day," says Stefanie Wright, the team's director of game entertainment. "Having RCMP members join us during the 2025 post-season run added a powerful sense of national pride to the ballpark. We are grateful for their continued partnership and thank them for their service to communities across Canada."
TV to Centre Field
Corporal Andrew McCarthy carried a flag during the ALCS and was accustomed to marching on pavement during ceremonial duties. At the Jays' game, he suddenly found himself adjusting to turf.
"I realized I had never marched on anything but concrete or wood," says McCarthy. "Turf gives you no feedback, especially when hearing the roars of the crowd. Suddenly, I was leading the troop in front of nearly 55,000 people and millions watching at home."
As he emerged from the tunnel onto the field, he felt the roar resonate through his chest.
"It was one of those 'pinch me' moments," he recalls.
For many of the officers on the Colour Party, the experience stirred childhood memories of watching the Blue Jays on television with family. They never imagined they would one day stand on that same field in full ceremonial dress.
"I remember, as a little girl, being in my grandparents' basement with a tiny television, watching the Blue Jays," says Power. "To be part of that day was really special."