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Toronto Blue Jays Manager John Schneider tore into Seattle Mariners fans after they appeared to boo loudly when four-time All-Star George Springer went down in the seventh inning after being hit in the knee by a pitch.
Speaking to journalists after allowing sailors to take a 3–1 lead in the American League Championship Series, Schneider denounced what he described as poor sportsmanship on the part of the Seattle crowd.
George Springer of the Toronto Blue Jays is helped by manager John Schneider, left, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., right, after being hit by a pitch during the seventh inning of Game 5 of the American League Championship Series, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
“I know it’s a great atmosphere to play in,” he said. “And it’s really, really cool to play here, and I think the fans who were booing him should look in the mirror and understand what kind of player he is.”
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“I’m going to stop there, because when a guy gets hit in the knee and is in visible pain and 40,000 people are cheering, that’s not the right thing to do,” Schneider continued.
Springer was hit in the right kneecap on a pitch from right-hander Bryan Woo with the Blue Jays leading 2-1 late in the game. Springer fell to the ground in pain and was eventually helped off the field, limping.
George Springer of the Toronto Blue Jays falls after being hit by a pitch against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning of Game 5 of the American League Championship Series, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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That’s when the boos roared.
“I don’t know how you boo someone who’s down on the ground injured,” Blue Jays third baseman Ernie Clement said. “I don’t understand that. I’ve had a lot of respect for all the Mariners fans, especially the ones I’ve talked to throughout the series, they’ve been great. But it’s a tough time. It’s pretty classless.”
Teammates and staff help Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer (4) off the field after throwing a pitch at the knee of Seattle Mariners pitcher Bryan Woo (22) during MLB Game 5 of the seventh inning of the American League Championship Series in Seattle, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)
Springer was a dominant presence in the Blue Jays’ attempt to reach the World Series for the first time since 1993. His double in the fifth gave him six straight games with an extra base hit. The 36-year-old is hitting .256 with three homers and five doubles in the postseason.
