The Toronto Blue Jays have stormed back onto baseball’s biggest stage, and what a return it’s been! Friday night at Rogers Centre, Game 1 of the 2025 World Series delivered a spectacle for the ages, as the Blue Jays routed the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers 11-4, powered by a jaw-dropping feat from Addison Barger. With the city buzzing and the baseball world watching, Barger cemented his name in the record books with the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history—a moment that’s sure to be replayed for generations.
Let’s set the scene. It’s October 24, 2025, and the Blue Jays are back in the World Series for the first time since their back-to-back titles in 1992 and 1993. The stakes? Nothing less than a shot at baseball immortality, and a chance to topple the mighty Dodgers, who entered as reigning champions and heavy favorites. But Toronto, fueled by a blend of youth, resilience, and a bit of quirky clubhouse camaraderie, had other ideas.
The night’s hero, Addison Barger, didn’t even start the game. Instead, he was called off the bench in the sixth inning to pinch-hit for Davis Schneider, facing left-hander Anthony Banda. Barger, who’d spent the previous night crashing on Schneider’s pull-out couch—yes, really—wasn’t fazed by the moment or the unusual matchup. He’d been prepping for Dodgers righty Emmet Sheehan, using the club’s high-tech Trajekt pitching machine to simulate at-bats. But when Banda entered, Barger just shrugged and adjusted. “I know it’s a tough at-bat, left on left, but the goal was just put the barrel on the ball, hopefully hit it in the air and get the run in,” Barger said, his trademark humor never far from the surface. “I hope he doesn’t know who is pitching tomorrow,” Toronto manager John Schneider joked afterward.
On a 2-1 slider, Barger did more than just get a run in—he crushed the pitch 413 feet to right-center for a grand slam, his third home run of the 2025 postseason. The crowd erupted, the dugout exploded, and history was made. Not only was it the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history, it was also the first postseason grand slam ever for the Blue Jays. The blast ignited a nine-run sixth inning, catapulting Toronto to an 11-2 lead and effectively sealing Game 1. According to AP, Barger later quipped about his wardrobe choices, turning down a Red Sox-branded shirt gifted by Hall of Famer David Ortiz: “I left it. It has Red Sox on it, I’m not wearing that. Are you kidding me?”
Barger’s teammates couldn’t help but sing his praises—and share a few laughs at his expense. “He’s hilarious,” outfielder Myles Straw said. “That’s what makes him who he is and that’s why we all love him. There’s no one else like him, I promise you. He’s got some loose screws, for sure.” Even Alejandro Kirk, who added a two-run homer later in the inning, seemed to be caught up in the magic of the moment. The Blue Jays’ offensive explosion marked the third-biggest inning in World Series history, trailing only the Philadelphia Athletics’ 10-run seventh in 1929 and the Detroit Tigers’ 10-run third in 1968. Talk about making a statement!
But Barger’s heroics weren’t the only storyline swirling around the Blue Jays. Earlier that same day, Toronto announced that star shortstop Bo Bichette would be returning to the roster for the World Series, just seven weeks after suffering a left knee injury on a slide at home plate in New York. The injury, initially thought to be minor, turned out to be a PCL sprain, and Bichette’s rehab was a race against time. By the time Game 1 rolled around, Bichette was back—maybe not at 100 percent, but close enough for manager John Schneider and general manager Ross Atkins to trust him in the lineup. “Even 80% of Bichette is worth rostering as the Blue Jays need all the offensive firepower they can get to take down the mighty Dodgers,” observed one club official.
Bichette’s return wasn’t the only roster tweak. The Blue Jays also added first-baseman Ty France, leaving off outfielder Joey Loperfido and reliever Yariel Rodríguez. This left the club with 14 position players and 12 pitchers, a nod to Bichette’s possible limitations and the need for versatility. Bichette, ever the team player, even took ground balls at second base during workouts, signaling his willingness to help however he could. As general manager Atkins noted, “Regardless of how the Blue Jays use Bichette on a game-to-game basis—and it could change—his best position is being in the lineup.”
Meanwhile, as Toronto celebrated its Game 1 triumph, all eyes turned to Game 2, scheduled for Saturday, October 25. With Kevin Gausman set to take the mound for the Blue Jays, pundits and bettors alike wondered what kind of encore these teams might deliver. After all, Game 1 featured 15 runs and an offensive explosion that few could have predicted. According to CBS Sports’ best bets column, George Springer was a player to watch, having tallied two hits and a run in Game 1 and racking up 13 hits, 12 runs, and nine RBI in 12 playoff games this postseason. The betting advice? Take Springer for over 1.5 hits plus runs plus RBI, and expect a high-scoring affair—over 7.5 total runs looked like a safe play, given the fireworks on display.
But there were concerns, too. Kevin Gausman, a key starter for Toronto, had struggled with walks in the playoffs, issuing nine in just 18 innings. The Dodgers, with their relentless offense, were poised to capitalize on any free passes. Some analysts predicted that Gausman could allow more than 2.5 earned runs, especially if the Dodgers’ bats woke up early. Still, with both teams boasting powerful lineups and bullpens that might see plenty of action, the stage was set for another slugfest. “These are two great offenses and the starting pitchers have just enough warts to believe we’ll see a decent amount of bullpen work. This all means runs,” noted the CBS Sports column.
For the Blue Jays, the Game 1 win was more than just a step toward a championship—it was a statement that they belong on this stage, ready to challenge the best. From Barger’s historic grand slam to Bichette’s gritty return, Toronto’s blend of talent, humor, and resilience has captured the imagination of fans across Canada and beyond. The Dodgers, stung but far from finished, will look to answer back in Game 2, setting up what promises to be a thrilling battle for baseball’s ultimate prize.
As the World Series continues, one thing’s certain: the Blue Jays have already made history, and the city of Toronto is buzzing with hope. With the action ongoing and the series hanging in the balance, fans can only wonder—what will these teams do for an encore?
