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Max Scherzer and George Springer were honored by Blue Jays fans in the 2026 season finale against the Cincinnati Reds after a disappointing last-place finish in the AL East.
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer and designated hitter George Springer were honored by a sellout crowd of 42,131 at Rogers Centre on September 27, 2026, during a Major League Baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds. The team, which fell from first to worst in the American League East, celebrated the veterans on a brilliant autumn afternoon with the roof open.
Scherzer Shines in Likely Farewell
Scherzer, a slam-dunk Hall of Famer, acknowledged the crowd at the start of the game and delivered a strong performance on short rest. He struck out seven batters over seven-plus innings before manager John Schneider pulled him after a leadoff walk in the eighth inning.
Schneider said he told Scherzer on the mound, thanking him for letting him be part of his unbelievable career. He added that he would not want any other 42-year-old psychopath on his team other than Scherzer.
After walking off the mound, Scherzer hugged teammates in the dugout and then went into the stands to embrace his family. He described the day as amazing, saying the adrenaline kicked in and he fed off the crowd at Rogers Centre.
Springer Receives Emotional Ovation
Springer, who led off for the Blue Jays, received a standing ovation before his first at-bat. He was replaced by a pinch-runner after a double in the third inning and fought back tears as he walked slowly to the dugout, embracing his teammates.
Schneider said he wanted to make sure Springer had a moment with the fans because he has had so many huge moments with the team. Both Scherzer and Springer played key roles in Toronto's deep October run last year, but their contracts are expiring.
Season of Struggle Ends with Sub-.500 Record
The Blue Jays briefly held the final wild-card spot earlier in September, but a recent stretch of seven losses in nine games sealed their fate. The team finished with a sub-.500 record, a stark contrast to a season that started with such promise.
Underperformance and injuries were major factors in the team's tumble from first to worst in the AL East. The injured list always seemed full, and a number of starting pitchers spent time on it. Schneider was forced to use regular bullpen games to cover innings over the last two months.
The relief crew was one of the best in Major League Baseball, but the bats never provided the needed pop, and team defence regressed after a stellar 2025. After the game, equipment bags were scattered around the locker-room as players said their goodbyes.
Schneider said the team did not end up where they wanted to be and they will learn from that. In the game itself, Toronto tacked on two more runs in the third inning, and McAdoo added an insurance run with a solo shot in the eighth. Blue Jays catcher Brandon Valenzuela hit a two-run home run.
Max Scherzer George Springer Toronto Blue Jays Cincinnati Reds Rogers Centre John Schneider MLB
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