Date: November 1, 2025
Source: Dodger Blue (YouTube)
Following the Toronto Blue Jays’ heartbreaking Game 7 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2025 World Series, manager John Schneider spoke about the pride he feels in his team, the emotional aftermath of the defeat, and how this season has permanently raised the standard for the franchise. Despite the pain, his message was clear: this was a season that redefined what it means to be a Toronto Blue Jay.
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On Processing the Loss
“It’s hard. My first team meeting of the year was after the game. There’s so much to unpack — seven games, two of them go to extras. I thought we played great baseball. I feel for the guys. This is a special group. I’m so proud of them — of the entire organization really. We’ve set a new expectation and a new standard here.”
On What He’ll Remember About the 2025 Blue Jays
“All of them. It’s not often you get a group that genuinely likes one another and cares about one another — their families, their kids. It’s a special group. I think Blue Jays fans for generations are going to remember this team — not just what we accomplished, but how we went about it.”
On His Postgame Message to the Team
“I said thank you — probably ten times. I told them I’m sorry we’re feeling this way right now, but this is a group I’ll never forget. They’ll always have a place in my heart. Every single one of them.”
On How This Loss Will Be Remembered
“It’ll hurt for a few days, maybe weeks. When you’re that close… But I’ll go back to Bo’s homer in Texas, George’s Canada Day, so many moments that made me proud. The beauty of baseball is that it goes on — spring training starts in February. You take away the sacrifices, the way they went about it, and how connected this team was.”
On Bo Bichette’s Moment
“That was right up there with George’s homer against Seattle. For a guy who’s been a staple for years to have Vlad intentionally walked and then go dead center on the first pitch — it felt right. What he did this year was nothing short of amazing. He was playing on one leg. Guys like Bo, George, Barger, Kirky — they deserve to be on that stage.”
On the Series and Missed Chances
“I thought we played our game — and our game is as good as anybody’s. Going back to people calling it David vs. Goliath — it’s not even close. I’d put this group of guys against any 26 players on the planet. We had our chances to beat them soundly. That’s baseball.”
On Trusting His Players
“You want the game decided by the players — and it was. I’ll relive those bases-loaded at-bats for a long time, but I trust everyone on this roster. That was an epic World Series. Players can become legends or be this close — and we were this close. I’m proud we went about it the right way.”
On Max Scherzer’s Performance
“Max was exactly what we thought he’d be in a big game. He’s 41 years old, throwing 96, making pitches. There’s no one I trusted more in that spot. He gave us exactly what we needed. I wouldn’t be surprised if that wasn’t his last game.”
On Luck and Small Margins
“To be the last team standing, a lot has to happen — you need to perform, make plays, and get a few breaks. We played so good defensively. Vlad’s double play, Varsho’s catch… We did everything we needed to do, and it still didn’t bounce our way. That’s what makes it hurt more.”
On Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s Postseason
“Vlad took his game to another level. If the game went the other way, he’s probably the World Series MVP. He played complete baseball — hitting, defense, leadership. Knowing we’ve got 14 more years of Vlad is an awesome thing for our team and our fans.”
On Ernie Clement’s Historic Run
“Historic. You don’t see that often — 30 hits in the postseason. He had a phenomenal year. I hope he wins a Gold Glove — he should. He became one of the faces of our team because of how he plays. From a waiver pickup to an everyday major leaguer — he earned it.”
On Congratulating the Dodgers
“Congratulations to Dave and the Dodgers. It was a hard-fought series. It sucks when you’re not the last team standing, but they deserve credit. It was an incredible World Series.”
Pulse Takeaway
John Schneider’s postgame tone was a blend of heartbreak and pride. He called his 2025 Blue Jays “a special group” that changed the standard of the franchise. From Scherzer’s gutsy start to Bo’s defining swing and Ernie’s record-setting run, Toronto’s first World Series appearance since 1993 will be remembered not for the ending — but for how this team carried itself every step of the way.
Quotes from John Schneider via Dodger Blue (YouTube). Used for analysis and commentary.
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