The Toronto Blue Jays faced significant backlash after a fan was ejected from Rogers Centre for wearing a hat that read "Canada is not for sale." The incident occurred during the team's home opener against the Baltimore Orioles on March 27, 2025, and has since drawn widespread attention and criticism.
Dan Begley, a 70-year-old resident of Etobicoke and a longtime supporter of the Jays, was removed from the stadium by two security guards after being approached by an usher. He had been wearing the hat for over an hour when he was told it violated the team's policy against political statements. "I have a suspicion they didn’t want that on TV or maybe on the Jumbotron," Begley said, expressing his disbelief at being asked to remove the hat.
Begley, who wore the hat to express his feelings about ongoing tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump and the rhetoric surrounding Canada potentially becoming the 51st state, felt his ejection was unjust. "I felt like a criminal for supporting my country. This incident ruined the whole activity," he told CP24. The hat has also been worn by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who has publicly supported the slogan.
After the incident, the Blue Jays organization issued an apology, acknowledging that their staff had made a mistake. Team spokesperson Andrea Goldstein stated, "We have spoken with the fan to apologize. Our staff made a mistake and we have addressed the issue to ensure it does not happen again." Begley has since been invited back to the ballpark and has accepted the apology, looking forward to attending another game.
In a voicemail message to Begley, Premier Ford expressed his pride in the fan's actions, saying, "Wear that hat, be a proud Canadian. I’m so proud of you. Never take that off." Ford encouraged Begley to reach out to him directly if he faced any further issues.
The incident has sparked discussions among fans and commentators about freedom of expression in sports venues. Many fans expressed their outrage over Begley's treatment, questioning why a senior citizen would be escorted out for simply standing up for his country. One fan remarked, "Why is a senior being escorted out of the stadium by two security officials and a supervisor for standing up for Canada?"
The Blue Jays’ home opener was marred not just by the ejection, but also by the team's performance, as they lost the game 12-2 to the Orioles. During the national anthem, a smattering of boos could be heard, which some attributed to the team's earlier directive asking fans to behave respectfully during the ceremony.
Begley’s hat, produced by an Ottawa-based company co-founded by Liam Mooney, has become a symbol of Canadian pride amidst the ongoing discourse about U.S. tariffs. Mooney expressed shock over the incident and has since offered Begley tickets to an upcoming game along with additional merchandise featuring the "Canada is not for sale" slogan. "This hat is entirely appropriate; it’s something that’s bringing Canadians together. Our apparel is all about love of country," he stated.
As the dust settles on this incident, it raises important questions about the intersection of sports, politics, and freedom of expression. The Blue Jays organization has taken steps to rectify the situation, but the incident serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding personal expression in public spaces.
In the wake of this controversy, it remains to be seen how the Blue Jays will continue to navigate the delicate balance between maintaining a family-friendly environment and allowing fans to express their patriotic sentiments. For now, Dan Begley is looking forward to returning to the Rogers Centre, where he can once again proudly wear his hat, a symbol of his love for Canada.
