Prime Minister Mark Carney playfully teased Donald Trump on Thursday by suggesting that the U.S. president might be hesitant to bet against the Toronto Blue Jays in the upcoming 2025 World Series. Carney, visiting a Blue Jays practice session before the fall classic, quipped that Trump “doesn’t like to lose” and hadn’t responded to his bet proposal yet.
It’s a customary practice for leaders to engage in friendly wagers supporting their respective countries ahead of major sporting events. In a similar vein, former U.S. President Barack Obama and ex-Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper had bet two cases of beer on the outcome of the 2014 Canada-U.S. Olympic hockey matches.
Despite having just one Canadian-born player, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the Blue Jays have been embraced as “Canada’s Team” due to their remarkable journey through the postseason, garnering widespread support nationwide. Following a disappointing 2024 season, the Jays have made an impressive comeback, reaching the World Series for the first time in 30 years.
During his visit, Carney expressed admiration for the team’s unity and work ethic, drawing parallels to Canadian values. He highlighted the importance of teamwork, ambition, and risk-taking, noting that these qualities have propelled the Blue Jays to their current success and parallel the positive developments happening in Canada.
As Carney embarks on a diplomatic tour to Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea, he will be absent during the crucial World Series games between the Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers. This distance from the games may provide relief to superstitious fans, recalling the “leaders’ curse” associated with political figures attending Blue Jays games during the 2015 postseason.
In a light-hearted moment during a visit to the White House earlier this month, Carney hinted at the Jays’ World Series aspirations to Trump, receiving a positive response from the president. The highly anticipated Game 1 between the Blue Jays and the Dodgers is scheduled for Friday evening at 8 p.m. ET.