Scherzer Reflects on Blue Jays’ Heartbreak, Praises Team’s Passion After Game 7 Loss

The Toronto Blue Jays’ 2025 season ended in heartbreak but not without pride. Their 5–4 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7 of the World Series was a gut-wrenching finale to what had been one of the franchise’s most inspiring campaigns in decades. For 41-year-old Max Scherzer, who took the mound for Toronto in the decisive game, the moment was both painful and profound — a mix of competitive heartbreak and deep appreciation.

In his postgame remarks, Scherzer didn’t focus on the sting of defeat or the possibility of retirement. Instead, he spoke about the deep sense of camaraderie that fueled the Blue Jays’ remarkable journey. “I’m 41 years old and I never thought I could love baseball this much,” Scherzer said, wiping away tears. “My love for the game was so strong because of their love for the game.”

Toronto led much of Game 7 before the Dodgers’ late-inning heroics flipped the script. Despite the loss, Scherzer expressed admiration for how his teammates battled through every setback, embodying a spirit that reminded him of his championship-caliber teams in years past.

“That loss is so tough because you’re so close to everybody,” Scherzer said. “This team had that closeness, that camaraderie. We had that passion not only for the game but for each other.”

1. Veteran Presence, Vintage Performance

Starting one of the biggest games of his storied career, Scherzer gave Toronto a steady performance on the mound. Over 4.1 innings, he allowed just one earned run on four hits, striking out three and walking one. It wasn’t a dominant outing by his usual standards, but it kept the Blue Jays in the fight — a reflection of the grit that defined his career. Throughout the season, Scherzer’s leadership was instrumental in guiding Toronto’s young rotation and setting the tone in the clubhouse. His presence brought both experience and accountability to a team that had long searched for its postseason identity. After the game, teammates described Scherzer as the emotional heartbeat of their playoff run. His competitive fire, even in his 17th major league season, inspired a team that came within inches of a championship. For Scherzer, the journey wasn’t about personal milestones or career legacy — it was about connection. “This team had that something special,” he said. “When you’re around guys who care about each other and the game that much, you feed off it. That’s why it hurts so much right now.”

2. Love for the Game and What Comes Next

As speculation swirled about whether Game 7 marked the end of Scherzer’s illustrious career, the veteran kept his answer open-ended. “I can’t imagine that was my last appearance,” he said, hinting that his competitive spirit may yet drive him back for one more season. “We’ll see. I’ll have more to say later.” Scherzer, who has played for seven teams since debuting in 2008, said the 2025 Blue Jays rank among the most special groups he’s ever been part of. “I’ve been part of some special groups,” he told SportsNet. “This one’s right up there with all of them in terms of how we played, how we cared about each other.” The Blue Jays’ resilience throughout the postseason — from their comeback wins to their late-game drama — left a lasting impression on the veteran right-hander. “That’s the character,” Scherzer said, recalling the team’s ability to rally in tight moments. “We always came back. We always found a way to fight. Unfortunately, we needed one more… Proud to be a Blue Jay.” Even in defeat, Scherzer’s message was one of gratitude and perspective — a reflection of both his career maturity and the unity of a team that reignited his passion for the game he’s spent nearly two decades playing.

3. Pride in the Pain

For Toronto, the disappointment of coming so close to a championship will take time to fade. But as Scherzer’s emotional reflections made clear, the 2025 season was more than just a near-miss — it was a testament to perseverance, unity, and belief. In a sport that often measures success by trophies alone, Scherzer reminded everyone that legacy is also built through relationships, effort, and shared passion. His words echoed what many around the team already knew — that this Blue Jays club had recaptured the heart of baseball in Canada. Whether or not Scherzer takes the mound again, his message resonated deeply: the love of the game endures, especially when shared by a team that truly believes in each other. *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir=“auto” tabindex="-1" data-turn-id=“request-WEB:12bbd606-3cad-4429-a1d2-328df722b29c-28” data-testid=“conversation-turn-58” data-scroll-anchor=“true” data-turn=“assistant”>

Max Scherzer’s emotional reflection after Toronto’s Game 7 loss highlighted the Blue Jays’ unity and passion, turning heartbreak into a moment of pride for a team that came within reach of a championship.