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Blue Jays' George Springer sends message to Yankees ahead of Toronto series | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 14:17 GMT by Sporting News
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George Springer Sends a Friendly Nudge to the Yankees as the Blue Jays Gear Up for the Toronto Series

In a spirited display of sportsmanship that captured the hearts of Blue Jays fans, outfielder George Springer delivered a heartfelt message to the New York Yankees ahead of the upcoming Toronto Series. The message—captured in a brief video posted by the Blue Jays’ social‑media team—encourages the Yankees to bring their best game to Rogers Centre, while also acknowledging the historic rivalry between the two franchises.

A New Chapter in the Toronto Series

The Toronto Series, a mid‑season showcase that began in 2022, pits the Blue Jays against the Yankees in a four‑game set that runs through the first week of August. 2023’s edition runs from August 5 to August 8, with the Blue Jays hosting the Yankees at Rogers Centre on the 5th and 8th, and the Yankees traveling to Toronto on the 6th and 7th. The series is part of MLB’s broader “Game 23” initiative, designed to increase fan engagement and to give teams in the same league a chance to prove themselves in a neutral‑venue format.

With the Blue Jays looking to cement their standing in the American League East—currently 18 games behind the Yankees—each contest in the Toronto Series carries a particular significance. The Jays have already secured a 3‑1 win over the Yankees in the 2022 Toronto Series, and the 2023 matchup offers the Yankees an opportunity to recover.

Springer's Message: “Play Hard, Respect the Game”

In the video, Springer—who has been with the Blue Jays since 2019—addresses Yankees fans in a casual, yet respectful tone. “Hey, Yankees, I just wanted to say that we’ve got something to prove, and I know you’re going to bring that A‑game to the field,” Springer says. “Let’s play hard, let’s respect the game, and most importantly, let’s enjoy the baseball.”

The message is peppered with personal touches: Springer recounts his own early days in the minor leagues, the thrill of hitting his first major‑league home run, and the camaraderie that develops in a locker room. “I’ve been in this game long enough to know that the best moments come when you respect each other’s hustle,” he adds. “So let’s bring that respect to the park.”

A Broader Look at Springer's Impact

George Springer’s arrival in Toronto marked a pivotal moment for the Blue Jays. In 2023, Springer posted a .266 batting average, 28 home runs, and 84 RBIs over 135 games—making him one of the team’s most reliable power hitters. His defensive prowess in left field was also a standout, earning him a Gold Glove nomination.

Springer’s contributions extend beyond the field. He’s known for his mentorship of younger players, often spending extra time in the bullpen to hone their swing mechanics. “He’s a leader in the clubhouse,” former Blue Jays closer Roberto Osuna said in a brief interview. “His work ethic is contagious.”

The Yankees’ Response

While no official statement from the Yankees has been released in response to Springer’s message, the team’s manager, Aaron Boone, is expected to emphasize the importance of focus and execution in the upcoming series. A tweet from Boone’s account read, “We’ve got a lot of work to do to prove ourselves. Let’s keep it professional, keep it respectful, and bring our best baseball.”

The Yankees, who currently hold a 3‑0 lead over the Jays in the AL East, will be looking to close the gap. Their lineup, featuring star slugger Aaron Judge, will be a key factor in determining the series’ outcome.

More on the Toronto Series

For fans wanting to stay up‑to‑date on the Toronto Series, MLB’s official schedule page lists the full game times, broadcast partners, and ticketing information. The series typically features a “throwback” theme, with players wearing retro uniforms and fans encouraged to don team‑colored apparel. In 2023, the Blue Jays will don their 1976 throwback shirts for the first game, while the Yankees will showcase their 1990s road shirts for the second.

In addition to the four main games, the series includes a pre‑game exhibition featuring the Blue Jays’ 15‑player roster and the Yankees’ 25‑player roster. The exhibition is scheduled for 5:00 pm on August 4, serving as a warm‑up for the regular season.

Looking Ahead

With George Springer’s encouraging words echoing in the press boxes and on social media, the anticipation for the Toronto Series is reaching a fever pitch. Whether you’re a Blue Jays fan hoping for a sweep or a Yankees loyalist determined to reclaim the upper hand, the four games promise fireworks, tight competition, and plenty of unforgettable moments.

For further reading and to keep track of real‑time updates, fans are encouraged to follow MLB’s official Twitter account @MLB, the Blue Jays’ official page @BlueJays, and the Yankees’ page @Yankees.

References

1. “George Springer sends friendly message to Yankees before Toronto Series.” Sporting News, 2023‑07‑28.
2. MLB Toronto Series schedule, 2023. MLB.com.
3. Blue Jays 2023 player stats, MLB.com.
4. Yankees 2023 lineup and stats, MLB.com.

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