Joe Davis has earned a reputation for stirring up controversy with his comments during broadcasts. This was evident during Game 1 of the American League Division Series, where he highlighted Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s struggle to hit home runs. Before the game, Davis noted that Guerrero had not homered in over a month.
As the Toronto Blue Jays faced the New York Yankees, he said, “If the Jays are going to make a run, they’ve got to get more from Guerrero.” His broadcast partner, John Smoltz, echoed these concerns, mentioning Guerrero’s slipping average and his signature timing issues as a hitter.
Guerrero’s Postseason Breakthrough
In a surprising twist, Guerrero responded to the pressure by hitting a home run in his first at-bat of the postseason on October 5, 2025. This marked his first home run in 31 days. Davis remarked, “Calendar flips to October and he gets his first home run in a month,” immediately adding to the lore of his famous “jinxes.”
Historical Context
The 26-year-old Guerrero had previously struggled in postseason play. Prior to this game, he had only 3 hits in 22 at-bats during six playoff games, with no home runs. The Blue Jays had faced consecutive postseason disappointments in 2020, 2022, and 2023, all ending in sweeps.
- Guerrero went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and a sacrifice fly in this game.
- The Blue Jays ended a seven-game postseason losing streak that dated back to the 2016 ALCS.
- Guerrero’s OPS was a mere .592 in September, contributing to the Jays’ struggles in the AL East.
This game was significant for both Guerrero and the Blue Jays, providing a much-needed boost. Toronto’s offense exploded for 10 runs during their Game 1 victory, with catcher Alejandro Kirk contributing with two home runs of his own.
As the lead voice for Fox’s MLB coverage since 2022, Davis has made a name for himself with memorable calls. He had previously succeeded Vin Scully in 2017 and is known for capturing key moments in baseball history. This latest incident with Guerrero added another chapter to his narrative of jinxes and dramatic commentary.
