Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ended his wait for a home run at the Rogers Centre with a hit that was recorded as the first of the year in the 2026 season. The Dominican fired the home run in the fifth inning of the 8-1 win for the Toronto Blue Jays against the Baltimore Orioles, when the pitcher Trevor Rogers turned the ball to the left field. The hit remained stationary on the plate while the ball rose to 397 feet, before breaking the wall and fitting into the left field.
A long pause in front of the crowd
Guerrero had not connected a home run in the regular season in Toronto since August 17, 2025, when he faced the Texas Rangers. His last home run at the Rogers Centre had been in the 2025 American League Series, on October 19, against the Seattle Mariners.
The moment of the crowd
After the hit, the player received a prolonged ovation from the fans before returning to the dugout, where he was received by his teammates with enthusiasm. The manager John Schneider commented: “There have been moments when we’ve all heard different reactions from the public. I think in the last two days they’ve been on our side and wanted to see a game like this and a swing like that”.
Words from his father and recovery
Guerrero recalled the phrase that his father, Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero, used to repeat: “Son, the fans never boo a bad player”. The Dominican thanked the support received and showed determination to continue producing for the Blue Jays in the decisive stretch of the season. With his home run, Guerrero seeks to leave behind a complicated season and regain the prominence he showed in the 2025 postseason, when he connected eight home runs in 18 games.
Credits: deultimominuto.com
