Jays Fans Vocalize Discontent Towards Ohtani During World Series Opener

Toronto Blue Jays fans expressed their dissatisfaction with Shohei Ohtani during Game 1 of the World Series, chanting “We don’t need you!” as he batted in the ninth inning. The atmosphere at Rogers Centre on October 27, 2025, was charged, stemming from Ohtani’s choice to sign a $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers instead of joining the Blue Jays during the 2023 free agency period.

Before finalizing his deal with the Dodgers, Ohtani met with Blue Jays officials on December 4, 2023, at the team’s spring training complex in Dunedin, Florida. Toronto manager John Schneider humorously remarked earlier in the week about wanting Ohtani to return a Blue Jays hat and a jacket he had taken for his dog, Decoy, during that meeting.

As the game unfolded, the fans made their feelings clear. Ohtani was met with loud boos during pregame introductions, and the hostile chants continued throughout the match. In the ninth inning, he walked in a crucial at-bat, only to be nearly picked off by left-hander Eric Lauer with two outs. After a video review confirmed his safety, Ohtani remained stranded on the bases as the Blue Jays secured an 11-4 victory.

Despite the fans’ jeers, Blue Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt cautioned against provoking Ohtani further. “Don’t poke the bear,” he warned, reflecting on the dynamic nature of the game. Third baseman Ernie Clement noted that the chants were all in good fun. “I couldn’t help but laugh,” he stated. “We have the guys we have, and the guys we have have done a hell of a job. I don’t think we need any more of what we have right now.”

Outfielder George Springer acknowledged the talent Ohtani brings to the field. “At the end of the day, Shohei Ohtani is an unbelievable baseball player,” he said. “Any team that he would be on, it would be awesome. But he’s over there and not here.” Springer further praised Ohtani, recognizing him as one of the best players in baseball history, with many years ahead in his career.

In a display of his exceptional abilities, Ohtani demonstrated why he is so highly regarded. In the seventh inning, while the Dodgers were trailing 11-2, he hit a towering two-run homer to right field off pitcher Braydon Fisher. This marked Ohtani’s fourth home run in two games, following an impressive performance in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, where he struck out ten batters.

The Blue Jays’ emphatic win in Game 1 of the World Series highlighted their strong performance and provided a platform for fans to voice their opinions, particularly towards a player of Ohtani’s caliber. As the series unfolds, the dynamic between the teams and their players will continue to capture the attention of baseball fans worldwide.