John Schneider, the Blue Jays’ manager, has suggested, during this playoff run, “This is the best character this organization has ever had.”
That word – “character” has become a rallying cry. It’s been echoed across interviews, talk shows, and even by rival fans south of the border. This year, some American columnists have admitted they’re rooting for Toronto over Los Angeles. Why? Because something about this Blue Jays team feels… human. It was interesting to watch Jays players call out that lack of character called out in game 7 against the Seattle Mariners. It was an embarrassing moment, caught and replayed in slow motion when Canadian Josh Naylor, playing for Seattle, literally jumped and turned, interfering with the play, as the Jays’ attempted a double play, throwing from second base to first. The umps thankfully saw it on replay. Both players were out. We won. But I digress.
In an era defined by division, scandal, and cynicism, character feels like a radical act.
From a psychotherapeutic perspective, what Schneider describes isn’t just about sportsmanship—it’s about psychological integration. Teams with character aren’t perfect; they’re cohesive. They tolerate conflict. They recover from mistakes. They trust. In therapy, that’s what healing looks like: learning to stay connected to oneself and others even when the pressure mounts.
The Psychology of “Character”
Character, in psychological terms, is built through adversity. It’s what develops when our values are tested and we still choose integrity. This is true for individuals and cultures alike.
For years, Canada has lived in what many describe as the “shadow of giants”. We are next to a superpower that often dominates the narrative. Yet, this Blue Jays moment feels different. There’s something that feels uniquely Canadian (as tribal or nationalistic as it might sound) about the quiet persistence, the emotional intelligence, the refusal to let ego overshadow effort. We can feel that in a team with ‘good character’ even though most of the players aren’t even Canadian.
Still, many Canadians watching this team sense a reflection of ourselves: the desire to be respected without having to shout. The capacity to play the long game. The humility to collaborate instead of conquer. It has been our global reputation for a long time — for better or worse.
Schneider’s praise of his team’s character resonates because it cuts through the noise of performance culture. In both sports and life, we are often rewarded for appearances. We see it increasingly across media and society: success without substance, charisma without compassion. But character is what holds when applause fades.
Why Americans Are Rooting for Toronto (not that we need it)
Some Americans suggest that cheering for the Blue Jays feels like cheering for decency. This could be about the current political climate in the US, or more about “anyone but Los Angeles” in a country where California and New York are seen as giants and disproportionately powerful compared to other states. In an age of billion-dollar contracts and corporate dominance, Toronto’s team — multicultural, grounded, resilient — represents something rare: community over celebrity — Vladdy aside.
This mirrors what clients describe in therapy: the longing for authenticity amid systems that reward competition and disconnection. Whether in relationships, workplaces, or nations, many are tired of pretending. We want real connection, real meaning. We want to win without losing our humanity.
Character in Context: A Mirror for Midlife and Mental Health
For many midlife Canadians, this story lands deeply. It’s about reclaiming integrity after years of overfunctioning. It’s about rediscovering joy without burning out. Like this team, we’re learning that strength isn’t about dominance — it’s about endurance, adaptability, and heart.
In the therapy room, this might look like setting boundaries, repairing trust, or redefining success after loss. It’s the emotional equivalent of extra innings — the willingness to keep showing up when life doesn’t go according to plan. How about those late game comebacks??
The Jays’ story reminds us that character isn’t built in comfort. It’s born in pressure, accountability, and care. And right now, that lesson feels bigger than baseball.
The Shadow of Giants and the Psychology of Comparison
Living beside the U.S., Canada often measures itself against its louder neighbour. Many clients do the same internally. They compare themselves to others and feeling perpetually “less than.” This cultural dynamic mirrors personal psychology.
The antidote? Defining success by authenticity rather than scale. We don’t have to be the loudest to be impactful. We just have to keep showing up with integrity.
Call to Action
If you’re navigating burnout, identity shifts, or the pressure to perform, therapy can help you reconnect with your core values and rebuild from a place of authenticity. Visit ontariotherapist.com to learn how I can support you in developing your own version of “character” when life feels like extra innings. I offer therapy for anxiety, depression, burnout, grief and loss and relationship challenges. I offer in-person and online sessions.
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