Toronto Blue Jays’ George Springer Apologizes After Ejection: ‘I Gotta Be Better!’

In a 5-0 game, during the sleepy seventh inning between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Angels, two teams well out of the playoff race, George Springer brought the fireworks.

The outfielder claimed he got hit by a pitch on his foot and jogged to first base before the home plate umpire disagreed with him. The dispute went to review, and the call on the field stood; Springer faced a 2-2 count instead of getting a free bag.

Then, the former Astro lost his cool. Springer needed to be held back by teammate Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and manager John Schneider before earning an early shower. Arguing a call that went to the booth results in an immediate ejection, but Springer got his money’s worth. He spoke to MLB.com to explain his point of view.

“I don’t need to see the replay. I know it hit me. I’m not going to say it didn’t hit me if it didn’t hit me,” Springer said. “I want to hit; it doesn’t matter how I’m doing individually. I know it hit me in the foot, but it is what it is.”

Later in his press conference, the usual cool-headed veteran expressed remorse for his second ejection in his long career.

“I gotta be better,” he said. “There’s kids in the stands. I don’t want my sons to see me get that mad. So, I gotta be better.”

2024 has been a trying year for Springer and the Blue Jays. The team thought it could compete for an AL East title, but it quickly fell out of the playoff race and is currently 57-64—nine games out of a wild card spot with six weeks remaining. Springer’s struggles are part of the underwhelming season. It has been a year to forget for the OF, hitting just .219, the lowest mark of his illustrious career.