Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage has publicly appealed to fans to stop targeting his family and girlfriend with online abuse following his performances on the field.
The 22-year-old pitcher made the statement ahead of the Blue Jays’ 3-1 loss to the Seattle Mariners in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) on Sunday, October 12.
“Living in this world where there’s so many different opinions and feelings which results in a lot of hate, it’s sad to see that people close to me are being attacked for my performances on the field,” Yesavage said.
“These people have done nothing to warrant negativity for my actions, whether that’s my parents, my brothers, my girlfriend, family. It’s just really sad.”
Yesavage, a first-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, added that he hopes fans understand that his family has no involvement in what happens on the field. “If you have a problem, I’m a man — I can take whatever opinions anybody has about me and my life,” he said.
Fans quickly expressed support for Yesavage on social media, condemning the attacks and urging respect for players’ families. Many highlighted that the abuse intensified after the Blue Jays eliminated the New York Yankees from the playoffs.
Yesavage will make his second postseason start for Toronto in Game 2 of the ALCS.
