Blue Jays manager criticizes Mariners fans who booed All-Star George Springer after he was hit by a pitch.

Toronto Blue Jays Manager John Schneider criticized Seattle Mariners fans after they appeared to boo loudly when four-time All-Star George Springer went down in the seventh inning after being hit in the knee by a pitch.

Speaking to reporters after allowing the sailors To take a 3-1 lead in the American League Championship Series, Schneider criticized what he described as a lack of sportsmanship on the part of the Seattle crowd.

Toronto Blue Jays George Springer is helped by manager John Schneider, left, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., right, after being hit by a pitch during the seventh inning of Game 5 of the American League Championship Series on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

“I know it’s an amazing atmosphere to play in,” he said. “And it’s really great to play here, and I think the fans who were booing him should look in the mirror and understand what kind of player he is.

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“I’ll stop there, because when a man gets hit in the knee and is in obvious pain, and you have 40,000 people applauding, it’s not the right thing to do.”

Springer was hit in the right kneecap by a pitch from right-hander Bryan Woo as the Blue Jays led 2-1 late in the game. Springer fell to the ground in pain and was eventually helped off the field limping.

Toronto Blue Jays’ George Springer falls after being hit by a pitch against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning of Game 5 of the American League Championship Series on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

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That’s when the boos roared.

“I don’t know how you can boo someone who’s on the ground hurt,” Blue Jays third baseman Ernie Clement said. “I don’t understand that. I’ve had a lot of respect for all the Mariners fans, especially the ones I’ve talked to throughout the series. They’ve been amazing. But that’s a tough time. That’s classless.”

Teammates and staff help Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer, center, off the field after taking a pitch to the knee from Seattle Mariners pitcher Bryan Woo during the seventh inning of Game 5 of the American League Championship Series in Seattle, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

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Springer has been a dominant presence in the Blue Jays’ attempt to reach the World Series for the first time since 1993. His RBI double in the fifth gave him six consecutive games with an extra-base hit. The 36-year-old is hitting .256 with three home runs and five doubles this postseason.

The News contributed to this report.

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