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Gone But Not Forgotten World's Biggest Jays Fan Passes Away

If anyone could lay claim to the title of "World's Biggest Jays Fan", it was her.



If you have been to Jays games on a regular or even semi-regular basis over the years, you would have seen her at some point - in her seat behind home plate on the 500 level, on the concourse at the Rogers Centre or, on quite a few occasions, on the jumbo tron.  She'd proudly wear her World's Biggest Fan jersey with her plethora of pins and her big smile.  Amersia Thompson passed away January 3rd at the age of 37. 

Her love for the Blue Jays was documented indirectly by the Toronto Star last May.  I did not know her personally but the missus had chatted with her on a few occasions.  She remembers her as someone who was bright and vivacious, and exactly the kind of fan that made being at a Jays game a unique and happy experience.  

Condolences to her family and friends.  She will be missed. 

Thanks to Bauxite VBF for the heads-up.

Posted by #2JBrumfield on Monday, January 07 2008 @ 07:32 PM EST.
World's Biggest Jays Fan Passes Away | 10 comments | Create New Account
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Mick Doherty - Monday, January 07 2008 @ 08:14 PM EST (#178514) #
Okay, I'm out of touch, down here in Texas, so I'm afraid I have to ask ... at 37? Of what? (The obituary linked to does not say.)
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Hoff - Monday, January 07 2008 @ 08:50 PM EST (#178515) #
She definitely made each game memorable. When I first got my season pass in 2003, she was there every game in section 524b. My brother and I would try and sit close that way we could join in on her spirited cheering of Hinske and Halladay. Hard pressed to find a Toronto fan so devoted that she would show up to the game over two hours early to get front row 500 level seats.

I echo the sentiment that she will be missed.

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Ozzieball - Monday, January 07 2008 @ 09:04 PM EST (#178517) #
I remember her distinctly from at least 10 years ago when I was at a game with my dad, sitting in the 100's outfield. She asked us to hold her stuff while she got up to start cheerleading.
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paulf - Monday, January 07 2008 @ 09:09 PM EST (#178518) #
I remember he showing me her photo album. She had pictures of herself with a lot of the Jays, including many with one of her favourites - Chris Woodward.
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natan79 - Monday, January 07 2008 @ 09:35 PM EST (#178519) #
this is really sad... i sat next to her a few times this past season... I know she had epilepsy although I have no idea if this was related to the cause of her death.  She will definitely be missed in 524b!
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GregH - Monday, January 07 2008 @ 09:47 PM EST (#178523) #

My sons, aged 12 and 13, and I go to as many Jays games as their own rep baseball schedules permit.  Over the past 5 years, we have gone to anywhere from 10 to 25 games each season and almost always sit in Section 524A or B.  We were very familiar with this young woman, having chatted with her and cheered along with her frequently.

My boys were saddened when I read them this post and regret that they will never see her again.  The 12 year old commented that he wished the Jays could have made it to the World Series again before this truly great fan passed away.

She will indeed be missed.

 

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VBF - Monday, January 07 2008 @ 11:18 PM EST (#178524) #
I have never met someone with the kindness and compassion of Amersia, and I witnessed on several occasions the players truly touched by her. She carried a very motherly role with them, and it's so tragic to lose a fan, but more importantly, a friend like her.  She has been around Blue Jays Baseball longer than alot of the people who work there, and a very important element of going to Jays games. It will be surreal for her not to be there on Opening Day.

I can't speak on behalf of the family, but I do believe Amersia had some medical issues. Her loss will be felt for a long time to come.

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Thomas - Tuesday, January 08 2008 @ 03:34 AM EST (#178525) #
What tragic news. Amersia will be missed. I never really spoke to her either, but I don't remember a time I ever arrived at the park early (which I've done often - a product of working downtown in the summer, starting early and not having anything better to do before a game) where Amersia wasn't there, waiting at Gate 7 to go into the ballpark.

She knew a lot of the players well and I remember seeing her having a conversation with Pat Hentgen on his return to the team that ended in the two of them hugging. I also remember sitting in her section for some game when it was really crowded in the 500s and whenever the Jays scored Amersia would turn around and high-five everyone within reach, which is exactly the sort of spirit and camaraderie that is sometimes missing from the park. She'll be missed indeed.
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davidcanavan - Tuesday, January 08 2008 @ 12:40 PM EST (#178529) #

Sad to hear, i have a fond memory of my first ever jays game with my friends and no parents ( well my dad sat a couple of rows behind us but it was a big thing for us at the age of 12), and we sat beside her. Fantastic energy as she laughed at us heckling Marty Cordova, and adamantly defended her greatest fan title from some drunken kids behind her. She just added an extra dimension to the viewing experience when you sat near her.

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natan79 - Sunday, January 20 2008 @ 08:29 PM EST (#179186) #

There's a nice tribute from Jamie Campbell I just found

http://www2.sportsnet.ca/blogs/jamie_campbell/2008/01/14/more_than_just_a_fan/

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