The Blue Jays were so close to winning their first World Series title since 1993 on Saturday night but then the Dodgers tied Game 7 in the bottom of the ninth with a solo home run by Miguel Rojas and won it in the 11th inning after a home run by Will Smith and some more clutch pitching by Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
It was a devastating loss for the everyone involved with the franchise and all of the fans at Rogers Centre who were so close to having one heck of a celebration, only to see it all fall away in stunning fashion.
It must have been especially rough for Don Mattingly, who finally made it to the World Series for the first time in his legendary career. The former Yankees great has served as the Blue Jays bench coach since 2022 and he was just three outs away from earning a championship ring, only to have it ripped away from a franchise he once managed.
Moments after the final out Mattingly was seen having a heartbreaking moment as he sat in the Toronto dugout and watched the Dodgers celebrate their second straight title. Blue Jays star Bo Bichette, who had a huge three-run homer in Game 7, was seen giving Mattingly a hug before the two headed to the clubhouse.
Here's that sad exchange:
Bo Bichette hugs Don Mattingly after World Series loss.
— Blue Jays Dad (@BlueJaysDad) November 2, 2025
❤️⚾️pic.twitter.com/9w3bdnfxuL
Brutal.
Mattingly never made it to the World Series as a player and fell just short a few times during his stint as the manager of the Dodgers. It would have been pretty cool to see him celebrate finally earning a ring but that sadly didn't happen as the Blue Jays lost both Game 6 and 7 at home to the Dodgers.
Fans had some emotional reactions to that moment between Mattingly and Bichette.
I think this was more of a gut wrench than the actual loss. At the end of the day, it's a sport to watch for fans. But this man has been in baseball for 40 years. If you dont feel bad for Donny Baseball, please stop watching the sport. https://t.co/4mkX17VAJG
— Bryan Topley (@MrSportsGuy16) November 3, 2025
Don Mattingly is the only one I feel bad for. He truly deserves to have a ring. https://t.co/Pf0NqwofH9
— 27RingsClub (@_zac15) November 2, 2025
10 year old me is not ok. Donnie Baseball forever. https://t.co/ufQw7qV25T
— Sean Muldowney (@sean_muldowney) November 2, 2025
Really wanted this for Donnie Baseball. Cool to see the love he gets from the guys . https://t.co/sQwGSb6Twx
— Turn 2 Cards (@Turn_2_Cards) November 3, 2025
This makes me sad. Don Mattingly was my favorite baseball player as a child and, thus, will always be. I wanted to see him celebrate a World Series. After seeing this, Bo Bichette is now one of my favorites too. https://t.co/czoujixNwY
— Jeff Briscoe (@jeffbriscoe) November 3, 2025
I sobbed like a baby after seeing this pure expression of humanity and humility💙
— Pamela (@PamsUnderhill) November 2, 2025
Hugs to Bo and D-Mats!
The Blue Jays don’t need a trophy to be Champions!! #BlueJays #mlb #joy https://t.co/pdRKpFozf8
Bo’s not usually the big hugger on the team — that’s more Vladdy’s vibe — but this moment with Mattingly was pure emotion. Bittersweet.
— Lorrie (@avery_lorrie) November 3, 2025
💔💙 https://t.co/wWPaO7J9WV
A man that deserves a Ring and Cooperstown Plaque https://t.co/iUs0DWLugd
— Scott Kuhloie (@thefirstkuhloie) November 2, 2025
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Don Mattingly Seen Sharing Heartbreaking Moment With Blue Jays Star After Game 7 Loss.