When he first started coaching in the Blue Jays system in 2008, John Schneider could only dream of big baseball things.

When he was managing the team that got two outs away from winning a World Series earlier this month , he had time to reflect on the journey.

The remarkable 2025 season, in which the Jays went from last place to first under Schneider’s watch earned him a finalist nod for AL manager of the year . On Tuesday night, the 45-year-old New Jersey native fell short in the ultimate recognition for his work when he finished second to Cleveland’s Stephen Vogt.

“It’s been fun, it’s been horrible at times,” Schneider said during the Jays magical playoff run. “I’ve got a grey beard, grey hair, but it’s exactly where I want to be.

“You have to go through it. I’m happy that peo

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