Prime Minister Mark Carney playfully teased Donald Trump by suggesting that the U.S. president might be hesitant to place a bet against the Toronto Blue Jays in the upcoming 2025 World Series. Carney humorously mentioned that Trump has not yet responded to his calls regarding the wager, hinting that Trump may not enjoy losing.
It is customary for leaders to engage in friendly bets supporting their respective countries before major sporting events. Notably, in 2014, former U.S. President Barack Obama and ex-Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper wagered two cases of beer on the outcome of the Canada-U.S. Olympic hockey matches.
Despite having only one player born in Canada, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the Blue Jays have garnered immense support nationwide, earning the moniker of “Canada’s Team.” Their remarkable journey to the World Series has captivated fans across the country.
Prime Minister Carney expressed confidence in the Blue Jays’ ability to secure victory, predicting a six-game triumph. He interacted with team executives but did not engage with the players directly during his visit to the team’s practice session.
Following a challenging 2024 season, where they finished last in their division, the Blue Jays have defied expectations to reach the World Series for the first time in thirty years. Carney drew parallels between the team’s teamwork and ambition with the progress and success in Canada.
In a departure from past superstitions, Carney’s travel plans during the series coincide with the games, alleviating concerns raised by a perceived “leaders’ curse” associated with political figures attending Blue Jays games in the past.
As Carney embarks on a trip to Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea, he will miss the initial World Series games, including the Blue Jays’ matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Remarkably, recent attendance by political figures at Blue Jays games has not resulted in defeats, suggesting that the supposed curse may have been broken.
During a previous visit to the White House, Carney bantered with Trump about the Blue Jays’ performance, receiving a positive response from the president. The highly anticipated World Series between the Blue Jays and the Dodgers kicks off on Friday at 8 p.m. ET.
