TORONTO – It is the most sartorially-coded celebration in Major League Baseball. And the Toronto Blue Jays just can’t quit the home run jacket.
Wonder exactly how and why the Blue Jays place a navy sports coat atop the shoulders of their home run hitter? Well, it’s a tradition that started in 2021 and has lasted ever since, a tribute to the multi-cultural makeup of the club that continues today.
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La Gente del Barrio – or, the folks in the neighborhood – was a message championed by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and coach Hector Lebron beginning in 2021, with Lebron tapping a former teammate-turned-tailor to craft the jacket.
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George Springer’s dramatic home run sends Blue Jays to first World Series since 1993
George Springer hits a three-run home run in the seventh inning.
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George Springer’s dramatic home run sends Blue Jays to first World Series since 1993
George Springer hits a three-run home run in the seventh inning.
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George Springer’s dramatic home run sends Blue Jays to first World Series since 1993
George Springer watches his three-run home run in the seventh inning.
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George Springer’s dramatic home run sends Blue Jays to first World Series since 1993
George Springer celebrates after hitting a three-run home run in the seventh inning of Game 7.
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George Springer’s dramatic home run sends Blue Jays to first World Series since 1993
George Springer celebrates after hitting a three-run home run in the seventh inning.
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George Springer’s dramatic home run sends Blue Jays to first World Series since 1993
George Springer celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home run.
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George Springer’s dramatic home run sends Blue Jays to first World Series since 1993
George Springer celebrates as he runs the bases after hitting a three-run home run.
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George Springer’s dramatic home run sends Blue Jays to first World Series since 1993
George Springer celebrates after hitting a three-run home run in the seventh inning.
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George Springer’s dramatic home run sends Blue Jays to first World Series since 1993
George Springer celebrates in the dugout after his three-run home run.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is Toronto Blue Jays home run jacket? History behind celebration