The Toronto Blue Jays opened the American League Championship Series with a spark, taking an early lead in Game 1 thanks to a George Springer leadoff home run.
Springer, enjoying one of his best seasons since 2019, continues to add to his already impressive résumé. The 36-year-old outfielder hit .309 with 32 home runs, 84 RBIs and 18 stolen bases during the 2025 regular season, providing a consistent presence at the top of Toronto’s lineup.
His home run Friday night marked the first leadoff homer in Blue Jays postseason history and moved him into fifth place on Major League Baseball’s all-time postseason home run list, surpassing New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter.
Leadoff power is nothing new for Springer. He ranks second all-time in career leadoff home runs with 60, trailing only Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson.
Springer has also been a mainstay in October. Over eight postseason appearances, he has played in more than 70 games while hitting .263 with 78 hits, 21 home runs and 41 RBIs. His postseason résumé includes a 2017 World Series MVP award earned as a member of the Houston Astros after a dominant performance against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
With the Blue Jays jumping ahead early in the ALCS, Springer’s postseason experience and knack for timely hitting could prove crucial. Toronto is aiming for its first World Series appearance since 1993, when the team defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in six games to capture its second consecutive championship. Those back-to-back titles are the only championships in franchise history.