Toronto’s sports worlds collided Sunday night when Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. arrived at Rogers Center for ALCS Game 7 against the Seattle Mariners wearing an Auston Matthews Toronto Maple Leafs jersey. The daring fashion choice – captured on video as Guerrero walked through Jays-decorated tunnels with blue and white balloons – quickly went viral among fans.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. arrives for Game 7 in an Auston Matthews jersey ?? pic.twitter.com/Pkhz1Gtyau
— Sportnet (@Sportsnet) October 20, 2025
The gesture symbolized cross-sports pride in Toronto and united two fan bases that both share a passion for their sports teams. But it also sparked superstition, with many suggesting someone should have told Vladi about the Leafs’ history in Game 7s.
Many joked online that Guerrero’s nod to Matthews could bring the so-called “Leafs curse” to the Jays, referencing the hockey club’s infamous struggles in elimination games.
“Shoulda should wear a player who won a Game 7,” one fan joked on X (formerly Twitter), while another added, “Congratulations to the Mariners on their series win!” Others defended Guerrero’s choice and praised the show of solidarity across the city. Some wondered if wearing the jersey and winning Game 7 with the Blue Jays would bode well for the Maple Leafs.
Guerrero’s pregame statement added an extra layer of intrigue to what will be an emotional evening. The city of Toronto (and much of Canada) is filled with anxiety among enthusiasts. The hope is that the Jays can keep playing baseball and make it to the World Series. The other hope is that the team isn’t now cursed by Guerrero wearing a Maple Leafs jersey.
Next: Maple Leafs’ Stolarz and Nylander address the tension in the locker room
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