Blue Jays skipper John Schneider, who is managing the American League All-Star team, did not expect to see his son among the group of reporters asking questions at Monday’s All-Star Media Day press conference.
So when 9-year-old Gunner started speaking into the microphone, Schneider reacted with an audible “woah.”
“So for those that don’t know, this is my 9-year-old son, Gunner, asking me,” Schneider said.
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Gunner asked his father for his favorite part of the 2025 season, one that saw the Blue Jays waltz through October and capture their first AL pennant since 1993.
“Gunner, there were a lot of memorable moments in 2025,” Schneider said. “Thankfully, you were there for a lot of them, along with Mom and Grayson. I think winning the American League will be number one, and I think the lasting memories of an epic World Series, albeit on the wrong end of a finishing Game 7 -- Doc.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, serving as the skipper for the National League All-Star team, offered an apology before Schneider continued.
“I think just kind of the special bond that the team had and being able to share it with you guys was probably the best part, buddy,” Schneider said. “Love you.”
Gunner and his younger brother, Grayson, have been fixtures at Rogers Centre since Schneider took over as Blue Jays manager in the middle of the 2022 season. Schneider has joked that his sons are among his biggest critics when it comes to his decision-making and lineup construction, and the boys have also served as bat boys in Spring Training.