Blue Jays Manager Requests Ohtani Return Cap and Dog Jacket

Shohei Ohtani’s move to the Los Angeles Dodgers was everywhere last winter. But his free agency wasn’t just about contracts—it included a quirky meeting with the Toronto Blue Jays that’s still getting laughs.

As the Dodgers get ready to take on the Blue Jays in the 2024 World Series opener at Rogers Centre, fans can’t help but remember Ohtani’s Toronto visit. He once sat down with the Jays’ front office, left with some team swag for his dog, and now returns as the sport’s reigning champion and maybe its brightest star.

The Meeting That Could Have Changed Baseball

On December 4, 2023, Ohtani met the Blue Jays in Dunedin, Florida during his whirlwind free agency tour. He apparently liked Toronto’s organizational vibe and professionalism.

In a funny twist, Ohtani walked out with a Blue Jays cap and jacket—not for himself, but for his dog, Decoy. That’s the kind of detail that sticks with people.

John Schneider’s Lighthearted Request

Blue Jays manager John Schneider kept the story alive in October. Before the World Series, he joked that he hoped Ohtani might bring those borrowed items back.

It was a playful moment in the middle of a high-pressure series and a reminder that even pros enjoy a little levity.

Ohtani’s Record-Breaking Dodgers Deal

Ohtani ended up signing with the Dodgers for a jaw-dropping $700 million over 10 years. That’s the richest contract in pro sports, period.

His arrival shifted the MLB landscape, and Toronto had to scramble, rethinking its roster plans on the fly.

Dodgers Dominance With Ohtani at the Helm

Ohtani’s first year in Los Angeles was insane. In 2023, he hit .310 with 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, and 59 stolen bases, powering the Dodgers to a World Series title.

This season, even after elbow surgery, he stayed elite—posting a .282 batting average, 55 home runs, 102 RBIs, and 20 steals. On the mound, Ohtani threw a 2.87 ERA over 14 starts. He just keeps raising the bar for two-way players.

A Legendary NLCS Performance

Ohtani’s playoff heroics hit a new level during the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. In the deciding game, he put on a show—crushing three home runs and striking out ten batters.

It’s moments like that which make people wonder if we’ll ever see another player quite like him.

The World Series Stage

This World Series is even juicier because Ohtani will lead off for the defending Dodgers against the team that almost landed him. The Rogers Centre crowd will be buzzing, especially with so many Canadian fans wondering what might have been.

Blue Jays’ Counter-Move: Signing Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Toronto didn’t let missing out on Ohtani slow them down. Instead, they used their financial muscle to lock up their own superstar—Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

The Blue Jays signed him to a $500 million, 14-year deal starting next season. Guerrero made good on that faith, leading Toronto to its first World Series appearance since 1993.

The Legacy of 2024’s World Series

For Toronto, this series is about chasing old glory and seeing if their roster can hang with the Dodgers’ galaxy of stars. For Ohtani, it’s another shot at building a legacy—and maybe sharing a grin with Schneider about Decoy’s Blue Jays gear.

Final Thoughts

The 2024 World Series between the Dodgers and Blue Jays is packed with storylines.

• There’s the meeting that nearly made Ohtani a Blue Jay.
• John Schneider tossed out that cap-and-jacket joke—still makes me grin.
• Ohtani’s Dodgers run has just shattered records and kept everyone watching.
• Toronto’s future? Pretty much built around Guerrero Jr.’s megadeal.

Honestly, baseball’s just as much about those weird, unforgettable moments off the field as it is about what happens on it. Whether Ohtani ever gives back that Blue Jays gear or not, his almost-connection with Toronto will always be one of those “what ifs” that sticks in baseball lore.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Blue Jays manager to Shohei Ohtani: We want our hat back — and your dog’s jacket