On the very first pitch the Blue Jays saw Sunday night from Bryce Miller and the Mariners, Springer launched a no-doubter to the opposite field, the first leadoff home run in Blue Jays postseason history.
The “Let’s go Blue Jays” chants that had been rolling through the anthems and introductions erupted again as Springer blazed around the bases, the closed roof keeping all of the sound in for the first ALCS game in Toronto since 2016. Chasing their first trip to the World Series since Joe Carter touched ‘em all in 1993, Springer just delivered the perfect start.
This is why the Blue Jays brought Springer to Toronto five years ago. Back then, Springer’s six-year, $150 million deal was the largest in franchise history. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who’s since more than tripled that number, was just two years into his big league career along with Bo Bichette, but the Springer signing represented the next step for the Blue Jays from a rebuilding franchise to one chasing championships.
It’s taken longer than planned — both for Springer and the Blue Jays — but moments like these are what he was brought to Canada for. The 2017 World Series MVP has a reputation as one of the game’s biggest postseason performers, now with 21 home runs in 72 career games, and has this uncanny ability to thrive under the immense pressures of October baseball.
Springer’s 21 postseason home runs break a tie with Derek Jeter to move him into fifth place in MLB history, trailing only Bernie Williams (22), Kyle Schwarber (23), Jose Altuve (27) and Manny Ramirez (29).
Springer has been one of the best stories in baseball this season, a career resurgence at 36, just when it looked like things were careening in the opposite direction. He hit .309 with 32 home runs and a .959 OPS, and while there are still miles to go, Springer’s home run is — for now — his biggest moment as a Blue Jay.
