During a significant boxing match in Japan on Monday, the Toronto Blue Jays logo made an appearance, catching the attention of observant viewers and potentially causing some concern for Major League Baseball (MLB).
The fight for the WBC bantamweight title between Takuma Inoue and Tenshin Nasukawa at Tokyo’s Toyota Arena showcased glimpses of the Blue Jays logo on the ring’s corner posts and canvas floor. The Athletic reported that this display, described as a “sponsorship” for the Blue Jays, did not receive the expected approval from MLB.
According to The Athletic’s report on Monday, the Blue Jays acknowledged being aware of the sponsorship but clarified that it was not a paid arrangement. The league office was reportedly not involved in this initiative.
A Blue Jays spokesperson, Andrea Goldstein, confirmed the report’s accuracy and stated that they had no further comments on the matter. The Athletic mentioned uncertainty regarding MLB’s response to the situation.
Following the Blue Jays’ recent successful season, where they were World Series runner-ups, the team’s popularity has surged. Their intense seven-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, culminating in a highly-watched Game 7, attracted millions of Canadian and Japanese viewers.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s standout performances for the Dodgers in the World Series, including a crucial role in Game 7, garnered significant attention in Japan. The pitcher, named MVP of the series, contributed to the Dodgers’ victory over the Blue Jays.
Looking ahead, Toronto aims to regroup and strengthen its roster for the upcoming season, with aspirations of returning to the World Series. The Blue Jays, known for their pursuit of top talent, continue to compete for skilled players, including those from Japan, a renowned source of MLB free agents.