Blue Jays in the Community

Since 2021, Lou Gehrig Day has been a part of Blue Jays community commitment to help raise awareness for the progressive neurodegenerative disease. Toronto Blue Jays and ALS Society of Canada honour those who are and have been affected by ALS at Rogers Centre each June. In 2026, Blue Jays hosted families from the ALS Community in the Jays Care Community Clubhouse for the game on June 9 and invited a Blue Jays fan living with ALS and his daughter to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Selected Jr. Jays Club All-Star Members participated in a Pregame Press Conference hosted by Hazel Mae and had the opportunity to ask questions to Manager, John Schneider as well as pitcher Louis Varland. The group asked questions about the 2025 postseason run and advice on how to be a better player and person. Learn more on how you can become a Jr. Jays All-Star Member here.

Over 200 Jr. Jays Club All-Star Members had the opportunity to meet some of their favourite Blue Jays players and receive their autographs postgame on Sunday, May 24. Each Jr. Jay received an autograph from Trey Yesavage, Brandon Valenzuela, and Spencer Miles. Learn more on how you can become a Jr. Jays All-Star Member here.

Continuing the celebration of José Bautista’s remarkable career and his retirement as a Blue Jay, José visited Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital to unveil the newly enhanced Jose Bautista Teen Lounge. The Teen Lounge provides inpatient clients with a welcoming space to connect with one another and relax during their time at Holland Bloorview.

Blue Jays players Brandon Valenzuela and Spencer Miles visited Jays Care Affiliate Market Lane Junior and Senior Public School ahead of their game at Rogers Centre. Valenzuela and Miles teamed up with the Blue Jays Baseball Academy to lead students through baseball drills, helping young athletes build skills and confidence on the field. Learn more about Jays Care Affiliate Schools programs here and Blue Jays Baseball Academy here.

In recognition of Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 10, the Blue Jays welcomed participants from PYNK to the game. Designed to support women under 45 navigating breast cancer, PYNK provides a dedicated community for connection and care. The group enjoyed the game from a suite, and one participant, Kelly, had the opportunity to throw out the first pitch alongside her children. Pitcher Louis Varland caught the ceremonial first pitch, and Blue Jays Manager John Schneider presented Kelly with a beautiful Mother’s Day floral arrangement.

To celebrate World Wish Day, the Blue Jays partnered with Make-A-Wish Canada to fulfill Blake’s wish of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch, meeting Trey Yesavage and George Springer, and watching the game from behind home plate. On World Wish Day, the ballpark celebrated the ways in which wishes positively impact the lives of children diagnosed with critical illnesses. The Blue Jays are honoured to help bring wishes to life throughout the baseball season and beyond.

Blue Jays visited Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and spent the day connecting with children through Challenger Baseball programming. They learned how the hospital supports children and youth with disabilities and developmental differences. It was an afternoon full of fun, smiles, and meaningful connections.

Blue Jays outfielder George Springer hosted his fourth annual charity bowling event. Guests enjoyed an evening of bowling, games, food, drinks, and entertainment, alongside George Springer and his teammates. Guests helped to raise funds that will deliver life-changing programs to young people who stutter through SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young and Jays Care Foundation.

Almost 200 Jr. Jays Club All-Star Members had the opportunity to meet some of their favourite Blue Jays players and receive their autographs postgame on Sunday, April 26. Learn more on how you can become a Jr. Jays All-Star Member here.

Blue Jays players Louis Varland and Mason Fluharty visited Jays Care Affiliate Jean Lumb Public School ahead of their game at Rogers Centre. Varland and Fluharty teamed up with the Blue Jays Baseball Academy to lead students through new baseball drills, helping young athletes build skills and confidence on the field. Learn more about Jays Care Affiliate Schools programs here and Blue Jays Baseball Academy here.

George’s wish came true during his visit to Blue Jays Spring Training, where he and his family visited the Blue Jays Player Development Complex and watched a Spring Training game at TD Ballpark in Dunedin, Fl. George and his family met many players and coaches including his favourite player, Alejandro Kirk, who surprised George with his bat and a pair of his batting gloves.

Blue Jays prospects returned to Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and spent the day connecting with children through Challenger Baseball programming and learned how the hospital supports children and youth with disabilities and developmental differences.