Months after Game 7 loss, John Schneider receives letter from Steve Kerr

Months after the Toronto Blue Jays faced a heartbreaking Game 7 loss in the 2025 World Series, manager John Schneider received an uplifting letter from Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr. The correspondence, dated November 2, 2025, touched Schneider deeply as it echoed his sentiments about leadership and resilience after the defeat.

Steve Kerr’s Inspiring Message to John Schneider

Schneider found the letter, which bore the Warriors logo, on his desk at the Rogers Centre. He described his reaction upon reading it: “As I read it, I was like ‘holy s—.’” Kerr’s letter recognized Schneider’s leadership during the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, a series that ended in disappointment for the Blue Jays.

Reflections on Leadership and Character

• Kerr emphasized the importance of character and connection in the face of defeat.
• The letter likened Schneider’s experience to Kerr’s own 2016 Game 7 loss to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
• Kerr reassured Schneider that while the loss was painful, how they handle adversity is what truly defines them.

Schneider values Kerr as a coach he admires. “To have him watch me and give me the stamp of approval was pretty cool,” he said. The motivational message aligns with Schneider’s offseason mantra for the 2026 Blue Jays. He intends to encourage his players to be defined not by their past losses but by how they respond to challenges.

Schneider’s Journey and Future Goals

Since his promotion to manager in July 2022, Schneider has focused on building a strong leadership foundation. He drew inspiration from other esteemed coaches like Kevin Cash and Terry Francona while learning valuable lessons on managing a team. His winning percentage stands at .522 after managing 561 games, including 22 in the postseason.

Despite the tough season, Schneider’s hope is to lead the Blue Jays to future success, much like the Warriors did after their own setbacks. He aims to inspire his team to bounce back from adversity and build on their past experiences.

A Connection in Sports

In the coming days, Schneider plans to express his gratitude to Kerr via a connection facilitated by Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro. The respectful relationship among coaches across different sports highlights the shared experience of competition and leadership.

As Schneider’s focus shifts to the upcoming season, he carries with him Kerr’s encouraging words, emphasizing that their 2025 journey will inform, but not define, their path forward.