NEW YORK — Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider took a moment with his wife, Jessy, as they navigated the bustling visitor’s clubhouse. Escaping the revelry of music, cheers, and spilled drinks, they entered his office, where the desk was cluttered with empty champagne bottles. These brief moments of calm are hard to find, especially as the postseason heats up. For the Blue Jays, there’s no offseason just yet: their recent 5-2 victory over the New York Yankees has confirmed their place in the American League Championship series, meaning their journey in baseball continues.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for the team, reaching deeper into the playoffs than they have since their 1993 World Series win. They have matched their success from 2015 and 2016 when they also contended for the pennant. Notably, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. celebrated his first playoff series win alongside Schneider. On that winning day, the potential of the Blue Jays became evident to the baseball world.
Throughout the grueling 162-game season, every player recognized their ability to compete. Signs of success began to emerge, highlighting their potential to prolong their postseason stay. Hope started to bloom among the team members as they envisioned a deep run in October.
May 9, Seattle: ‘We were all zombies’
Amidst the post-clinch celebration, veteran pitcher Max Scherzer, who is 41 and a likely Hall of Famer, was caught up in the excitement, splashing beer on teammates like 26-year-old Joey Loperfido. Reflecting on a challenging May weekend in Seattle, Scherzer recalled arriving at their hotel after a disappointing series against the Angels, feeling like they were set up for failure against the red-hot Mariners.
“I just remember coming into Seattle that day just being a zombie,” Scherzer remarked. Although sidelined due to an injury, he watched the Jays sweep the Mariners, outscoring them significantly. That was the moment he realized their potential, recognizing that despite the challenges, they were emerging as a formidable team.
June 26, Cleveland: ‘Screw everybody else’
After a victorious game against the Guardians, pitcher Kevin Gausman, soaked in beer and laughter, embodied the camaraderie developing within the team. Gausman, armed to take on any role in pursuit of his first Championship Series, sensed a shift in the team spirit when Guerrero left the game after a hard hit. The collective energy grew after a decisive 6-0 victory, solidifying their identity as a resilient squad committed to standing by each other.
July 1, Toronto: ‘We can do this’
For Nathan Lukes, a player aiming to make his mark in the big leagues after years in the minors, it all clicked when the Blue Jays took the lead in the American League East. During a thrilling game against the Yankees, George Springer’s impressive performance showcased their potential in front of a jubilant crowd, confirming that they were capable of achieving great things together.
Day 1, Dunedin, Fla.: ‘You’ve got to believe in it’
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sensed the possibilities for success right from the outset of spring training. Amidst the early workouts, Guerrero observed a joyous and committed team. Even without previous postseason victories, he envisioned a brighter future for the franchise, which he would soon commit to long-term. His optimism has become a reality as the Blue Jays stand just four wins away from the World Series, driven by a belief in their collective capability to reach new heights.
“If you don’t believe in your team,” Guerrero stated, “you don’t believe in anything.”
