World Series Boo Birds? Ohtani, Sasaki, Springer Face Cold Reception

The Rivalry Between the Dodgers and Blue Jays

At first glance, the relationship between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays might seem relatively neutral. These two teams are from different leagues and countries, over 2,000 miles apart, and they don’t have a history of facing each other in the postseason like some of their rivals. However, beneath the surface, there’s a growing tension that stems from individual player connections and past events.

Some players on both sides have ties to the opposing city, which can lead to mixed reactions when they play. One such example is Freddie Freeman, who has deep roots in Canada. His mother was from the Toronto area, and his father was from Windsor. Despite this connection, he acknowledges that Canadian fans might not be as welcoming during games in Toronto.

"I’m not so sure the Canadian fans, the Blue Jays fans, will be cheering for me this time around," Freeman said. "But it is special. Both my parents were born and raised in Canada, especially the province of Ontario — my mom is from the Toronto area, dad from Windsor — so it is special."

Freeman also shared how going to Toronto brings back memories of his late mother, who passed away from melanoma when he was just 10 years old. Every visit to the city feels like a way to connect with her, and he even receives small tokens from distant relatives, like photos of third cousins.

While Freeman might receive some cheers, most players on both teams can expect a more hostile reception. This animosity is particularly evident among those with strong ties to the opposing team or city.

Honorable Mention: Max Scherzer

Max Scherzer's time with the Dodgers didn't end on a high note. In 2021, the team made a blockbuster trade to acquire him and Trea Turner from the Nationals. Scherzer had a stellar start with the Dodgers, recording a 10-strikeout performance against the Astros and pitching brilliantly down the stretch. However, his role changed during the playoffs.

After a strong Game 3 NLDS performance, Scherzer offered to pitch in relief for Game 5, citing previous postseason experience. He delivered a scoreless inning, but the added workload took its toll. Three days later, he struggled in Game 2 against the Braves, saying his arm felt "dead." He was scratched from Game 6, forcing Walker Buehler to start on short rest, which ultimately led to the Dodgers' elimination.

A month later, Scherzer signed a three-year, $130 million deal with the Mets, marking the end of an uneasy relationship with the Dodgers.

Roki Sasaki: A Japanese Star Chooses the Dodgers

Roki Sasaki, one of the most coveted amateur free agents in the market, had a tough decision to make. The Dodgers and Padres were among the top contenders for his signature, but the Blue Jays also made a serious bid. Sasaki visited all three teams, spending time in each city to get a feel for where he would fit best.

Toronto made a final push by adding $2 million to its international bonus pool and acquiring outfielder Myles Straw from the Guardians. Despite this effort, Sasaki ultimately chose the Dodgers, much to the disappointment of Blue Jays fans.

Sasaki started the season as a struggling starter but has since developed into the Dodgers’ top ninth-inning option in the postseason. Meanwhile, Straw, who plays a part-time role for the Blue Jays, could also have a chance to impact the series.

Shohei Ohtani: A Heartbreaking Decision

Shohei Ohtani’s decision to join the Dodgers in December 2023 sent shockwaves through the baseball world. The news came with a simple "LA" logo on his Instagram page, leaving fans and analysts in disbelief. For Blue Jays fans, the anticipation turned into heartbreak when it became clear that Ohtani had chosen the Dodgers.

There were even rumors that he was on a plane to Toronto, but it turned out to be a false alarm. The saga left Blue Jays fans feeling betrayed, especially after the 2017 World Series controversy involving the Astros.

Ohtani’s return to Los Angeles has been met with mixed emotions. While fans acknowledge his talent, the lingering resentment from the 2017 series remains. Blue Jays manager John Schneider joked about Ohtani returning items he took from their meeting, but the underlying tension is clear.

George Springer: The Most Hated Player in L.A.

George Springer, a key player in the 2017 Astros’ controversial World Series victory, is the most hated player in Los Angeles. His five home runs in that seven-game series left a lasting mark on Dodger fans, who still feel cheated by the team's sign-stealing scandal.

Even though the Astros won two more titles since then, the wound hasn’t fully healed. Every time a member of that 2017 team returns to L.A., they face loud boos and jeers from the crowd.

Springer’s presence in the 2024 World Series is expected to be met with the same hostility, highlighting the deep-seated rivalry between the two teams.

Final Thoughts

The rivalry between the Dodgers and Blue Jays is fueled by personal connections, historical events, and the desire to win the World Series. As the two teams prepare for the upcoming matchup, the animosity between them is palpable. Whether it's through player decisions, past performances, or fan reactions, the tension between these two franchises continues to grow.