Springer Lights Up Canada Day with Career-Best Game

On Canada Day, George Springer gave Toronto fans more than just fireworks—he gave them a performance to remember. The 35-year-old outfielder drove in a career-high seven runs to lead the Blue Jays to a dominant 12–5 win over the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre.

Springer’s big day included a solo home run in the fourth inning, a grand slam in the seventh, and a two-run single in the eighth—just about everything you could ask for in a national holiday headline act.

A Patriotic Start Sets the Stage

Before the first pitch, the stadium was already buzzing. Canada’s 158th birthday was in full swing, and the pre-game ceremonies delivered the kind of energy that players feed off. Blue Jays players stood side-by-side with Canadian Armed Forces members, helping to hold up a massive Canadian flag that covered the outfield. The moment reached its peak with a flyover from fighter jets just as the national anthem wrapped up.

Springer, clearly moved by it all, called the moment “cool” and “awesome.” And then he went out and matched the energy on the field.

Canada Day Magic (Again)

For whatever reason, Springer seems to love playing on Canada Day. Monday’s performance only added to an already-impressive track record: in five Canada Day games with the Jays, he’s hitting .474 (9-for-19) with three homers, 10 RBIs, and five runs scored.

The Blue Jays haven’t always had the best luck on July 1—they're just 17–29 overall—but they've now nudged above .500 at home on the holiday, improving to 13–12 at Rogers Centre.

A Turning Point in the Season

Beyond the personal milestones, the win had real meaning for the Jays. It brought them within one game of the division-leading Yankees in their four-game series and continued a hot stretch for the team overall. Since May 27, Toronto has gone 21–10, a major turnaround fueled in no small part by Springer.

Kevin Gausman summed it up best: “When he’s playing well, usually our whole team plays well. He’s a guy who can take over a game—and when he’s locked in, he can take over a series.”

Hitting Milestones and Finding Rhythm

Springer didn’t just put up big numbers—he reached two major milestones in the process. His fourth-inning homer was his 100th as a Blue Jay, and the grand slam marked the ninth of his career. Not bad for a guy who, just a few weeks ago, was working to get back on track.

A key part of his recent success? A shift in mindset. Springer has been focusing less on chasing results and more on trusting the process—learning, as he puts it, to “handle the failure.”

Another helpful change has been his increased time as a designated hitter, or "offensive player" as he jokingly prefers. Manager John Schneider encouraged him to conserve his energy and stay fresh. The idea was to prioritize steady, all-around production over just swinging for home runs—and it’s clearly paying off, not just for Springer, but for the whole lineup.

A Holiday to Remember

In front of 41,129 fans, Springer gave Blue Jays supporters the perfect mix of celebration and domination. On a day meant to honor Canada, one of the team’s most seasoned players gave Toronto every reason to believe the best of this season is still to come.

Originally published by The Canadian Press on July 1, 2025.