In a pivotal moment during Game 7 of the AL Championship series, George Springer’s three-run homer secured a historic win for the Blue Jays, etching his name alongside legends like Joe Carter and Jose Bautista in the team’s lore.
Among the fans present that memorable night at Rogers Centre was eight-year-old Michael Gomes, who had won tickets through the Rogers Beyond The Seat giveaway. Unfortunately, he missed witnessing the game-winning homer as he fell ill and had to watch the game’s conclusion from a hospital bed at SickKids hospital.
The past 18 months have been challenging for Gomes, grappling with an undiagnosed illness that has significantly impacted his life. Once an avid participant in high-level gymnastics, he now navigates the world with the aid of a wheelchair.
His mother, Ariel, shared, “When you find moments like this, you cling on to them so much because the joy that it brings Michael… it’s priceless, it’s priceless.”
Contrary to the adage “never meet your hero,” Gomes had a heartwarming encounter with George Springer at the Sportsnet studios, where they relived the exhilarating victory of Game 7 together.
“Can I have a hug?” a beaming Gomes asked.
“Absolutely, you can have a hug,” responded Springer before they shared a heartfelt embrace and watched the replay of the iconic home run.
Springer expressed, “To be able to provide happiness, that means a lot. All the hard work, all the time spent away from your family, to have a moment like this with a special man here, it means the world to me.”
This sentiment was echoed by Gomes and his mother, who cherished the unforgettable experience.
“Having this moment is full circle, it’s something that Michael will never forget, our family will never forget,” Ariel affirmed.
Looking ahead, while Springer anticipates another stellar season for the Blue Jays in 2026, Michael also holds hope of being in the stands to cheer on his beloved team.
Keyphrase: Blue Jays win Game 7
