SEPTEMBER 28, 2026
The Last Hurrah
The Toronto Blue Jays’ long and frustrating season ended on a high note as fans bid a fond farewell to two old warriors: Max Scherzer and George Springer. Scherzer, 42, threw seven innings against the Cincinnati Reds, struck out seven and upped his career win total to 225. When manager John Schneider walked to the mound to pull the man they call “Mad Max”, he hugged and thanked his famously intense pitcher, joking: “I wouldn’t want any other 42-year-old psychopath on my team other than you.” As Scherzer walked off the mound to a huge ovation, he tipped his cap to the fans before jumping into the stands to share the moment with his wife and four children. “To see him actually smile on the day he pitched was awesome,” said teammate George Springer, who was also feted by the sold-out Rogers Centre crowd. The 37-year-old’s high-octane style of play made him a fan favourite, but he will forever be remembered for his “Springer Dinger” – the dramatic home run he hit against the Seattle Mariners last year that helped propel the Jays to the World Series. While there will be no post-season baseball in Toronto this year, at least the fans were able to give one last salute to two players who gave them plenty to cheer about. | The Canadian Press/Frank Gunn
