When George Springer, right fielder for Toronto Blue Jays stepped up to the plate on October 13, 2025, the crowd at Rogers Centre held its breath. In the bottom of the first inning of American League Championship SeriesToronto, Springer launched a postseason home run that would etch his name into baseball lore.
Springer’s Historic Blast
The leadoff shot was a towering right‑fielder’s blast off Seattle’s right‑hander Bryce Miller. It wasn’t just any homer – it was the first ever leadoff home run in Blue Jays postseason history. The stadium erupted, and on the jumbotron the scoreboard read: 1‑0, Springer, 21st career postseason home run. That number nudged him past former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter for sole possession of fifth place on Major League Baseball’s all‑time postseason home run list.
Background: Postseason Power
Springer’s climb up the leaderboard started back in Houston, where he spent eight seasons with the Houston Astros. From 2015 to 2021 he collected 19 postseason homers, including a jaw‑dropping five‑home‑run performance in the 2017 World Series that helped the Astros claim their first championship. After a five‑year drought that stretched from the 2020 ALCS to the 2024 regular season, he finally broke the silence in Game 2 of the 2025 ALDS, drubbing Yankees right‑hander Will Warren for a solo shot.
The Game‑1 Details
Pitcher Bryce Miller had been solid all season, posting a 3.72 ERA for the Seattle Mariners. Yet the first pitch he threw to Springer sailed over the left‑field fence, a clean, high‑arc that left even the Mariners’ bench stunned. The ball traveled an estimated 415 feet, landing just beyond the Red Baron’s wall. Video replay showed the crack of the bat echoing through the park, a sound that, for a moment, seemed louder than the cheers.
Reactions and Quotes
Blue Jays manager John Schneider grinned from the dugout, “That’s the kind of start we want. George gave us a reminder of why he’s one of the most clutch hitters in the game.” Teammate Luis Arraez added, “Seeing him go deep like that just fires everyone up. It’s a momentum swing.” Even the Mariners’ bench clapped, a rare sign of respect for a homer that instantly changed the series narrative.
Jeter vs. Springer: A Tale of Two Legends
While Springer celebrated, the baseball world paused to reflect on Derek Jeter’s legacy. The 49‑year‑old former Yankees shortstop, now a limited partner with the franchise, finished his 20‑year career with exactly 20 postseason homers in 158 games – a .308 batting average and a .465 slugging percentage in October play. Jeter’s most iconic moments include his two‑home‑run display in the 2000 World Series against the New York Mets and his walk‑off blast in Game 4 of the 2001 World Series, the first championship game to tip into November.
All‑Time Postseason Home Run Rankings
Springer’s 21st mark now slots him behind Manny Ramirez (29) and just ahead of Bernie Williams (22). The top five looks like this:
- 1️⃣ Manny Ramirez – 29
- 2️⃣ Bernie Williams – 22
- 3️⃣ (Unnamed – 22)
- 4️⃣ (Unnamed – 22)
- 5️⃣ George Springer – 21
For a player who also ranks second all‑time in leadoff homers (63, behind Rickey Henderson’s 81), the achievement reinforces his reputation as a game‑changing presence at the top of the lineup.
Implications for the ALCS and Blue Jays
The Blue Jays now lead the series 1‑0, but the margin is razor‑thin. Game 2 is set for October 14 at the same venue, and the Mariners will be looking to answer quickly. Analysts say Springer’s power could force Seattle to pitch around him, opening opportunities for the middle of the order. Fans wearing blue caps swarmed the streets of Toronto after the game, chanting “Springer! Springer!” – a scene reminiscent of the city’s 1992 World Series celebrations.
Looking Ahead: Springer’s Legacy
Beyond the immediate series, this milestone could reshape how clubs view veteran power hitters. At 35, Springer still possesses the speed to steal bases and the swing to launch balls out of the park. His blend of power and on‑base skill makes him a rare asset in an era dominated by analytics. As the postseason unfolds, all eyes will be on whether he can add another homer to push him into the coveted top‑four.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Springer’s milestone affect the Blue Jays’ playoff chances?
The early surge gives Toronto a psychological edge and forces Seattle to pitch more cautiously. With Springer’s power now on display, the Jays can expect more run‑producing opportunities, improving their odds of clinching the ALCS.
Who are the players ahead of Springer on the all‑time postseason home run list?
Manny Ramirez tops the chart with 29, followed by Bernie Williams at 22. Two other unnamed sluggers also sit at 22, placing Springer firmly in fifth place.
What was the significance of the leadoff homer in Blue Jays’ postseason history?
It marked the first leadoff home run ever for Toronto in the playoffs, setting a tone of aggression and instantly energizing the fan base. Historically, leadoff homers have correlated with higher win probabilities in postseason series.
How does Derek Jeter’s postseason record compare to modern players?
Jeter’s 20 postseason homers came in an era with fewer playoff games per season. Modern sluggers like Springer benefit from expanded wild‑card rounds, giving them more chances to accumulate homers, which makes Springer's rapid climb notable.
When is the next ALCS game and where will it be played?
Game 2 is scheduled for October 14, 2025, at Rogers Centre in Toronto. If the series continues, Games 3 and 4 will shift to Seattle’s T‑Mobile Park.
