The Toronto Blue Jays kept their series win streak alive with a win over the Cleveland Guardians, but it was an out-of-the-box gesture by Kazuma Okamoto and the dugout that truly grabbed fans’ attention.

Since the start of their road trip, the Blue Jays have adopted a new pregame ritual that has brought the team even closer than before. Each day, a small group of players and staff members in the dugout bows at each other, thanking each other for the service they provide to the team. Why? So Kazuma Okamoto feels at home and part of the team.

“I think it makes Kaz feel a bit more welcomed or a bit more part of it,” manager John Schneider said. “Baseball players do weird stuff before the game, during the game, and after the game. I think it’s cool that he’s blended in with some people before the game. Everyone has their own handshake, their own this and that. The more stuff we can do like that for him, I think it’s really good for him.”

After dominating the Guardians in a 5–3 victory, Kazuma was asked how he feels about the team and their new gesture. All smiles, he responded, “It’s a little secret between all of us.”

That said, fans are genuinely pleased with how supportive the team has been toward him.

Fans all smiles as Blue Jays rally around Kazuma Okamoto

One fan believes that their gesture has been really effective, as they have now won two back-to-back series: “Gratitude circle is resulting in wins. More gratitude circles are needed!” They are now en route to face the Boston Red Sox.

One fan opined, “This is such positive team unity and culture, and I love that they are embracing it. “ Another said, “He can do whatever he wants pregame when he is hitting the cover off the ball and a stud at 3rd right now.”

So far, Okamoto has had a good start to his 2026 season, hitting above .220 with five homers and 11 RBIs.

Another fan added, “It likely relaxes them and helps them focus.”

The Blue Jays are now 12–15 on the season, with a long way to go, and they’re starting to challenge every team they face.

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Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason