Now that’s starting the American League Championship Series with a bang.
George Springer hit the Blue Jays’ first-ever postseason leadoff home run to kick off Game 1 of the ALCS against the Mariners.
The Blue Jays outfielder took the first pitch from Seattle starter Bryce Miller and sent it into the right field bullpen as he gave Toronto an early 1-0 lead.
The leadoff homer whipped the Rogers Centre crowd into a frenzy as Springer rounded the bases.
The fact that Springer hit the blast on the first pitch only added to the rarity of the moment, with only two other players hitting leadoff home runs on the first pitch since pitch counting began in 1988, according to The Athletic.
Springer became the second-oldest player in postseason history to hit a leadoff home run at 36, according to MLB’s Sarah Langs.
He also moved passed Yankees great Derek Jeter on the all-time postseason home runs list with his 22nd career playoff homer.
He sits behind just Bernie Williams (22), Kyle Schwarber (23), Jose Altuve (27) and Manny Ramirez (29).
The moment was made even more unique because Springer was wearing his custom Hartford Whalers batting gloves when he hit the solo shot.
The batting gloves will go to the Hockey Hall of Fame after the Blue Jays’ playoff run is over.
Springer has a special connection to the former NHL franchise, which relocated to North Carolina and was renamed the Hurricanes, having come from New Britain, Conn. and played college baseball at UConn.
The Blue Jays are looking to make their first trip back to the World Series since 1993 to continue what has been an impressive run for Toronto this season.
The Blue Jays dispatched the Yankees in the American League Division Series, shutting down the Bronx Bombers’ offense.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
