Noah Reid’s World Series Anthem Stirs Canadian Pride and Emotions

In the high-stakes pressure cooker of a World Series Game 7, moments of pure, unscripted emotion are rare. Yet, before the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks faced off in one of baseball’s most climactic games, a different kind of magic unfolded. Noah Reid, the beloved Canadian actor from Schitt’s Creek, stepped to the microphone to sing “O Canada,” and in doing so, delivered a performance that transcended sport, becoming a viral moment of national pride that left fans—especially those of the Toronto Blue Jays—profoundly moved.

A Surprise Selection with Deep Roots

Major League Baseball’s choice of Noah Reid for the Game 7 anthem was a masterstroke of cultural resonance. While not a traditional musical superstar, Reid represents a specific and cherished piece of the Canadian cultural fabric. To millions, he is Patrick Brewer, the charming, piano-playing love interest on the Emmy-sweeping series Schitt’s Creek—a show that itself became a point of immense national pride. His casting was more than just a celebrity appearance; it felt like an invitation for Canada to share its quiet, heartfelt confidence on a global stage.

The moment was laden with unspoken significance for Canadian baseball fans. With the Toronto Blue Jays’ own postseason hopes ended earlier, watching the World Series was an exercise in bittersweet “what ifs.” Seeing one of their own, a figure so closely associated with a beloved Canadian story, center stage at the sport’s biggest event was a poignant consolation. It was a reminder of their place in the baseball world, even from the sidelines.

The Performance: Understated and Powerful

Reid’s performance was characterized by its elegant simplicity. Dressed sharply and standing alone with the flag behind him, he offered a rendition that was:

• Clear and Respectful: He sang the anthem straight, without unnecessary vocal flourishes, honoring the song’s traditional melody.
• Emotionally Grounded: His delivery was sincere and heartfelt, focusing on the lyrics’ meaning rather than theatricality.
• Unifying: The performance felt like an invitation for everyone, not just Canadians, to appreciate the moment’s gravity and beauty.

This understated approach stood in stark contrast to the roaring energy of the stadium, creating a powerful, intimate pocket of calm before the competitive storm. It wasn’t a performance designed to ignite a crowd with frenzy, but rather to ground them in a shared sense of occasion and respect.

The Reaction: A Wave of Canadian Emotion

The response, particularly on social media and from Canadian viewers, was immediate and overwhelmingly emotional. The phrase “I could cry” trended among Blue Jays fans and celebrities alike, perfectly capturing the collective sentiment.

Fans expressed that Reid’s anthem felt like a “hug for all of Canada,” especially for those missing their team in the finale. It tapped into a deep well of national pride that intersects sports, entertainment, and identity. Celebrities and public figures joined in, with many from the Schitt’s Creek family and beyond posting their praise. The moment became less about which team won the game and more about a quiet, proud Canadian moment in the spotlight.

For Blue Jays fans, the tears were multifaceted. They were tears of pride for a Canadian on the field, tears of nostalgia linked to Reid’s iconic role, and perhaps a few tears of longing, wondering when their team would next have that chance. Reid, in a single song, managed to validate their fandom and their national identity simultaneously.

Why This Moment Resonated So Deeply

Several key factors converged to make Noah Reid’s anthem so impactful:

• The Schitt’s Creek Effect: The show is more than a comedy; it’s a cultural touchstone that celebrates kindness, inclusivity, and understated Canadian values. Reid, as Patrick, embodies those values. His presence evoked the show’s warm, positive aura.
• The Game 7 Stage: There is no bigger platform in baseball. The immense pressure and viewership amplified the significance of his performance, making it a historic footnote in World Series history.
• A Need for Authenticity: In an era of over-produced spectacles, Reid’s genuine, unfiltered performance was a refreshing dose of authenticity that audiences craved.
• Diaspora Pride: For Canadians living abroad or fans of Canadian culture worldwide, it was a proud moment of recognition and representation.

Beyond the Game: A Lasting Cultural Moment

Noah Reid’s performance will be remembered long after the final out of the 2023 World Series is forgotten. It successfully bridged the gap between sports and mainstream popular culture in a meaningful way. It demonstrated how a national anthem, often treated as a pre-game formality, can be transformed into a powerful, unifying event when delivered with sincerity and connection.

For MLB, it was a brilliant nod to a passionate international fanbase. For Canada, it was a moment to see its gentle, creative spirit honored on one of sports’ grandest stages. And for Noah Reid, it was a transition—from a beloved fictional character to a real-life figure who, for one perfect minute, carried the voice of a nation and struck a chord of pure, emotional resonance.

In the end, the Texas Rangers won the championship, but for a significant portion of the audience, one of the night’s most winning moments occurred before the first pitch was ever thrown. It was a reminder that sometimes, the most profound victories in sports aren’t about scores, but about the shared feelings they inspire. Noah Reid didn’t just sing an anthem; he provided a heartwarming, proud, and slightly tearful moment of connection, proving that national pride can be found in the most unexpected, and beautifully Canadian, of places.