What to know
- Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman thanked Canadian firefighters, pilots and first responders battling the country’s ongoing wildfires in a message shared on social media.
- Fans praised the American-born pitcher, calling him a “class act” and urging the Blue Jays to keep him in Toronto long-term.
- The message comes as hundreds of wildfires continue to burn across Canada, with firefighters and emergency crews responding to blazes in several provinces.
- Wildfire smoke has also fuelled political tensions, with U.S. President Donald Trump recently criticizing Canada’s wildfire response.
As firefighters, pilots and emergency crews continue battling wildfires across Canada, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman is making sure their work isn’t going unnoticed.
The American-born veteran shared a message of thanks on social media this week, earning praise from Blue Jays fans who called him a “class act” and applauded him for recognizing frontline crews.
The post comes as Canadian wildfires continue to burn and wildfire smoke remains a source of political tension between Canada and the United States.
American-born Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman is earning praise from fans after publicly thanking the Canadians battling the country’s ongoing wildfire crisis.
In a post shared on social media Monday, Gausman wrote:
“Just want to show my appreciation for all the people helping to stop these fires in Canada. To all the first responders, pilots, and anyone out there doing their part — Thank You!!”
His message comes as hundreds of wildfires continue to burn across Canada, with smoke affecting air quality in parts of both Canada and the United States.
The issue has also become part of an escalating political dispute after U.S. President Donald Trump again criticized Canada’s wildfire response and suggested additional tariffs over smoke drifting south of the border.
Blue Jays fans quickly flooded the comments with messages thanking Gausman for recognizing the work of frontline crews.
“You’re such a legend Gausy and you’ll always be an honourable Canadian!” one fan wrote.
Another added: “You are a cool dude and you and your family will always have a place in Toronto.”
Others urged the Blue Jays to keep the veteran pitcher long-term.
“Jays should be signing you to a lifetime contract. You’re a hell of a pitcher and a hell of a human.”
“Thank You Kevin. You are such a great person. I hope you finish your career in Toronto.”
“This is why you’re the GOAT, Kev.”
Gausman has become one of the Blue Jays’ longest-serving veterans and has frequently spoken about how much he and his family enjoy living in Toronto.
The appreciation comes during one of Canada’s most challenging wildfire seasons.
Ontario alone is dealing with roughly 190 active wildfires, while thousands of firefighters and support personnel continue working to contain blazes that have forced evacuations and sent smoke across large parts of North America.
As wildfire crews continue responding to blazes across the country, Gausman’s message resonated with many Canadians who saw it as a simple but meaningful acknowledgement of the people working long hours to protect communities during another challenging fire season.
