LOS ANGELES — Tensions escalated just before Game 3 of the 2025 World Series when Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider unexpectedly suggested MLB consider limiting the number of Dodgers spectators at Dodger Stadium, citing “the loud cheering that is distracting to the Blue Jays players.”
But just hours later, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts responded with a furious response — and his response sent shockwaves through the American sports world.
“Don’t mess with the Dodgers fans,” Roberts declared at an emergency press conference this afternoon. “They’re not just spectators, they’re the main reason we play. It’s their unity, their belief, their energy that’s the Dodgers’ greatest victory — not just the numbers on the scoreboard.”
It all started after Game 2 at Rogers Centre, where the Blue Jays lost 6–3 to the Dodgers. In his post-game press conference, Schneider complained that “the Dodgers crowd was so loud, it was way over the top,” making it “difficult for some Blue Jays players to concentrate in key situations.”
He also suggested that MLB intervene by limiting the number of opposing fans in the away stadium, “to keep things fair and safe for the players.”
The statement immediately sparked a heated debate on social media — especially within Dodgers Nation.
“This is the World Series, not a picnic,” one fan commented on X (Twitter). “If you can’t handle the cheering, you don’t deserve to play here.”
Dave Roberts didn’t just defend his fanbase — he turned his response into a morale statement for the entire Dodgers team.
“I was a player, I know what it’s like to be booed. But for us, that roar is the heartbeat of Los Angeles. When you hear 50,000 people chanting ‘Let’s go Dodgers!’ you can’t be scared — you just want to go all out.”
Roberts stressed that there are no rules in MLB limiting the number of away fans, and said that “the Blue Jays’ proposal is not only unrealistic but also unsportsmanlike.”
“Baseball is a game of emotion. If you want absolute silence, go to the practice field. This is the World Series — every breath you take is part of the game,” he added.
According to MLB Network, tickets for Game 3 in Los Angeles sold out within 12 minutes of going on sale, and organizers expected more than 56,000 Dodgers fans to show up, creating an electric atmosphere.
Dodgers players also voiced their support for their manager.
Freddie Freeman said, “Every swing I make, I get the fans behind me. You can’t limit that — that’s why we play.”
Mookie Betts added, “Never underestimate the energy of Los Angeles. When the Dodgers come on the field, the whole city comes out fighting.”
Roberts’ response not only made the Dodgers fan base proud, but also impressed many sports commentators. ESPN called it a “statement of team spirit,” while Sports Illustrated described it as “a fastball straight to the heart of the Blue Jays.”
Game 3 promises to be more than just a battle on the field, but also a battle of sound, of spirit, of character.
And as Dave Roberts asserted before leaving the interview podium:
“If you’re afraid of noise — you don’t understand who the Dodgers are.”
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