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Blue Jays Pitcher Hagen Yesavage Addresses Threats to Family
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Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Hagen Yesavage publicly addressed abusive messages his family has been receiving, though he did not specify the source or nature of the threats. The incident occurred ahead of Game 1 of the American league Division Series against the Texas Rangers.
Published October 13, 2025 | Updated October 13, 2025 at 05:37:54 AM EDT
Yesavage Speaks Out
Yesavage addressed the situation before the start of the ALDS, stating he wanted to make clear that the actions of those sending abusive messages do not reflect what happens on the field. He did not disclose whether the messages originated from New York Yankees fans or individuals involved in sports betting,but emphasized his willingness to accept criticism.
“I know I have the platform to address it, so I am,” Yesavage said, according to a report by The Canadian Press. “I hope that people can realize that those individuals have nothing to do with what happens on the field or whatnot.If you have a problem, I’m a man; I can take whatever opinions anybody has about me or my life.”
Yesavage declined to answer any follow-up questions regarding the matter.
Team Support
Blue jays manager John Schneider expressed his support for Yesavage, praising the 22-year-old pitcher for speaking out and recognizing the importance of his support system. Schneider stated he was unaware of the abuse Yesavage’s family had endured.
“I give him a ton of credit for a guy that is 22 and just arrived in the big leagues and understands that he has a really, really good support system that is around him and has a platform to talk about it,” Schneider said during a news conference at Rogers center. “It’s unfortunate that that’s a reality. I think the more that you do it, the more accustomed you get to it. I commend him for saying what he said and for backing up the people that love and support him.”
The rise of Athlete and Family Harassment
The incident involving Hagen Yesavage is part of a disturbing trend of increased harassment directed at athletes and their families. This harassment often escalates during periods of high pressure,such as playoff runs,and is frequently fueled by social media and online betting platforms. While direct threats are criminal offenses, a notable amount of abuse falls into a gray area of online harassment, making it difficult to prosecute.
According to a 2024 study by the Athlete security Project Athlete Security Project, 43% of professional athletes reported experiencing online abuse, and 28% reported that family members had been targeted. The study also found a correlation between increased betting activity and a rise in abusive messages.
Teams and leagues are increasingly implementing measures to protect their players and families,
