George Springer Hits 21st Postseason Homer, Surpasses Derek Jeter

The American League Championship Series opener wasted no time delivering fireworks, and you can thank Toronto Blue Jays’ veteran outfielder George Springer for that. On the very first pitch he saw from Seattle Mariners’ right-hander Bryce Miller, Springer smashed a historic home run deep into the right field stands.

His blast set a franchise milestone and nudged him up MLB’s all-time postseason record books. Still, it didn’t end up enough, as the Blue Jays dropped Game 1 to the Mariners, 3–1.

Springer’s Historic Blast

Springer’s 385-foot drive came off a fastball that clipped the outer corner. The swing was decisive, the connection pure, and the result immediate—a home run that instantly carved out a new spot for him in baseball history.

This wasn’t just another postseason homer. With it, Springer zipped past Yankee legend Derek Jeter into fifth place on MLB’s all-time postseason home run list, now holding 21 career playoff long balls.

Chasing the Legends

Now, Springer finds himself looking up at some of October’s most prolific sluggers. The leaderboard ahead of him:

• Manny Ramirez – 29 postseason home runs
• Jose Altuve – 27
• Kyle Schwarber – 23
• Bernie Williams – 22

Springer’s postseason resume keeps growing, and he’s become one of the most dangerous hitters under pressure. Toronto hoped his knack for October heroics would tilt Game 1 their way.

A Blue Jays First

The home run meant more than just personal history—it was the first postseason leadoff home run in Toronto Blue Jays history. For a team with plenty of playoff appearances and two World Series rings, that’s a wild bit of trivia.

Springer’s ability to set the tone from the very first pitch is exactly why he’s considered one of baseball’s best leadoff hitters.

Regular Season Leadoff Power

Springer’s reputation as a tone-setter goes beyond October. In the regular season, he’s launched 63 leadoff home runs, putting him second all-time behind Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson, who holds the record at 81.

That mix of speed and pop at the top of the order is rare, and it’s a big reason Toronto wanted him so badly.

Seattle Strikes First in the Series

Despite Springer’s fireworks, the Blue Jays came up short as Seattle grabbed a 3–1 win. The Mariners’ pitchers kept Toronto’s bats mostly quiet and took advantage of their own chances.

Seattle has now won three out of four games played in Toronto this season, hinting at a bit of road swagger that could shake up the series.

Springer’s Postgame Reflections

Afterward, Springer said he wasn’t swinging for the fences—just looking for a pitch he could handle. That kind of approach says a lot about the mental side of postseason baseball.

He mentioned that a few more lucky bounces might’ve changed everything. Sometimes, October baseball really does come down to the thinnest margins.

Implications for the Blue Jays

Springer’s milestone stands out, but Toronto now has to dig deep and rally against a Mariners team riding high. Momentum in the playoffs can flip in a heartbeat, but dropping Game 1 definitely adds pressure heading into Game 2.

The Blue Jays need production up and down the lineup if they want to get back in the series and back up Springer’s big moment.

Looking Ahead

If Springer keeps up this postseason power surge, he could climb even higher on the career home run list before the series wraps. Toronto fans are hoping his leadoff magic sparks more than just history.

They want wins. Seattle’s Game 1 victory gives them an early advantage, but honestly, in baseball’s postseason, no lead is ever really safe.

 
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