Blue Jays manager John Schneider likes this costume much better than a year ago
John Schneider admits he’s never been much of a Halloween fan, which probably surprises few people. Instead of dressing up or hosting parties, the Blue Jays manager was far more content to spend his Friday at Rogers Centre with his team, poised to finish a last-to-first season and aiming for the franchise’s first World Series crown in 32 years.
“Sitting in my neighbour’s driveway drinking a beer and giving candy,” Schneider said before Game 6 of the World Series. “I think Halloween’s a made-up holiday anyway. It’s probably my least favourite holiday of the year. So if it’s a chance to hang out in the neighbourhood, have a couple of cold ones, and laugh at some costumes, I’m all for it.”
This time, however, Schneider said he preferred his new outfit — the Blue Jays uniform — pointing proudly to his team gear. Just hours before one of the most significant games of his career, he reflected on how different things felt from one Halloween to the next.
“I always have that positive outlook, sometimes to the point of frustration for myself or the people around me,” Schneider said. “You always need to believe that anything is possible. You never know what can happen in the postseason — every game has its twists. I think we’ve done a great job understanding that as a team.”
As Game 6 of the 121st Fall Classic coincided with Halloween, the Blue Jays manager found himself appreciating the moment and how far his team had come since the previous year.
Author’s Summary
John Schneider reflects on Halloween, dismissing the holiday’s fuss while celebrating his team’s rise to a World Series title pursuit after a remarkable turnaround season.