Prime Minister Mark Carney jovially taunted Donald Trump on Thursday, suggesting that the U.S. president might be hesitant to make a wager against the Toronto Blue Jays in anticipation of the 2025 World Series. Carney playfully remarked, “He doesn’t like to lose,” while visiting a Blue Jays practice session before the fall classic. Despite reaching out to Trump about the bet, Carney joked that the president had not responded to his calls.
It is a common practice for leaders to make friendly bets supporting their respective countries before major sporting events. In a previous instance, Barack Obama and former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper wagered two cases of beer on the outcome of the 2014 Canada-U.S. Olympic hockey matches.
Although the Toronto Blue Jays are the only remaining MLB team in Canada, they have garnered widespread support nationwide, earning them the moniker “Canada’s Team.” Their remarkable journey through the postseason has captured the hearts of fans across the country, despite only one player, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., being born on Canadian soil.
Ahead of the anticipated World Series, Carney expressed confidence in the Blue Jays, predicting a victory in six games. He engaged in discussions with team executives before addressing reporters on the field, emphasizing the team’s unity and ambition as key factors in their success. Carney drew parallels between the team’s collaborative spirit and Canada’s own progress.
Carney’s travel plans to Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea coincide with the World Series, placing him far from the action as the Blue Jays face off against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Reflecting on past superstitions, Carney’s absence may alleviate concerns about a supposed “leader curse” that plagued the team during the 2015 post-season. Notably, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre attended a recent game, where the Blue Jays secured a resounding victory.
During a visit to the White House earlier this month, Carney shared his optimism about the Blue Jays’ World Series prospects with Trump, receiving a positive response from the president. The highly-anticipated opening game between the Blue Jays and the Dodgers is scheduled for Friday at 8 p.m. ET.
