Blue Jays Star Guerrero Jr. Recounts Shocking ALCS Heckling Incident

Toronto slugger opens up on confrontation with Mariners family member during intense playoff battle.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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During the 2025 American League Championship Series, Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. faced unexpected heckling from a family member of a Seattle Mariners player. The group's taunts took place in the midst of a tense Game 5, when the Mariners had just defeated the Blue Jays. Guerrero recounted hearing someone loudly exclaim, 'Da Blue Jays lose!' as he walked nearby.

Why it matters

The incident highlighted the emotional intensity and personal nature of playoff baseball rivalries, as well as the pressures and challenges athletes face during high-stakes postseason play. Guerrero's willingness to discuss the heckling sheds light on the complex interactions between players and opposing fans or family members in intense playoff environments.

The details

Guerrero described the moment in detail, noting the boldness of the heckler and the group's supportive cheers. He recognized exactly who the woman was, including her connection within the Mariners' circle. The taunt directly echoed a chant Guerrero himself had used during the ALDS, where he and Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz celebrated by shouting 'Da Yankees lose!' after the Blue Jays eliminated the New York Yankees in Game 4.

  • During Game 5 of the 2025 American League Championship Series
  • After the Mariners had just defeated the Blue Jays in that game

The players

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

A star infielder for the Toronto Blue Jays, known for his postseason prowess.

Mariners family member

An unidentified woman who heckled Guerrero Jr. after a Mariners victory over the Blue Jays in the 2025 ALCS.

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What they’re saying

“'Da Blue Jays lose!'”

— Mariners family member

“Da Yankees lose!”

— Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

“They don't know they're heading into the Valley of Death.”

— Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Andres Gimenez (teammate)

What’s next

The Blue Jays went on to rally and win the ALCS in seven games, with Guerrero Jr. earning MVP honors.

The takeaway

Guerrero's resilience and leadership in the face of intense playoff pressure and heckling underscores the emotional challenges athletes navigate during high-stakes postseason play, as well as the personal nature of baseball rivalries.