IT IS DONE: Toronto blue jay First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. stun fans and leaves head coach John Schneider speechless with major announcementts concerning…..

In a move that has sent shockwaves throughout Major League Baseball and left fans from Toronto to the Dominican Republic reeling with emotion, Toronto Blue Jays superstar first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. delivered a jaw-dropping announcement this morning that instantly became the number one trending topic across North America.

With a solemn but steady tone, standing before an overflowing crowd of reporters, teammates, family members, and supporters at Rogers Centre, Guerrero Jr. opened his statement with three now-iconic words:

“It is done.”

Those words, simple yet loaded with meaning, left everyone present silent for a moment — including Blue Jays manager John Schneider, who was reportedly not informed of the announcement until minutes before the press conference.

What followed was a series of surprising revelations from one of the league’s most charismatic and beloved sluggers, marking a seismic moment in baseball history and beyond.

Guerrero Jr. Steps Away from Baseball — But Not in the Way Fans Expected

Contrary to initial fears that Guerrero Jr. was announcing his retirement, the 26-year-old clarified moments later that he is not stepping away from the game entirely, but instead making a drastic shift in his career path and lifestyle.

“After long reflection, prayer, and conversations with my family, I’ve decided to take an indefinite leave of absence from Major League Baseball,” he announced. “This is not a goodbye forever, but it is goodbye for now.”

Guerrero Jr. cited a deep personal calling to pursue a different kind of mission — one that goes beyond home runs, All-Star appearances, and MVP conversations.

“I Want to Serve” — Guerrero’s Life-Changing Mission

In perhaps the most stunning portion of his address, Guerrero Jr. revealed that he plans to dedicate the next several years of his life to humanitarian and community work, beginning with a return to his native Dominican Republic, where he will launch the “Swing of Hope Foundation”, an initiative focused on youth development, education, and food security.

“I come from humble beginnings,” Guerrero Jr. said. “I never forgot the hungry nights, the broken schools, the forgotten kids. Now I have a chance to give something back, not just money — but time, effort, and presence.”

The foundation’s goals include:

• Building five new schools in rural Dominican communities.
• Providing free baseball and education clinics across Latin America.
• Partnering with local governments to improve access to nutrition and clean water.
• Launching a mobile literacy program for children in underserved areas.

Guerrero Jr. confirmed he is investing $10 million of his own earnings into the foundation’s first phase.

John Schneider’s Raw Reaction

Blue Jays manager John Schneider was visibly emotional after Guerrero’s speech, telling reporters he was “completely blindsided.”

“I didn’t see this coming at all. He’s been locked in all season — hitting, training, smiling like always. I’m stunned. But I’m proud too. It takes a giant heart to walk away from the spotlight to serve others like this.”

Schneider also revealed that Guerrero Jr. had met with him just 15 minutes before the press conference, gave him a hug, and said, “I need to follow something deeper now, Skip.”

“How do you respond to that?” Schneider said. “You just wish him the best and tell him the door’s always open.”

Teammates React: ‘He’s Our Hero On and Off the Field’

The announcement sparked an outpouring of support from teammates and rivals alike. Bo Bichette, Guerrero Jr.’s longtime teammate and friend, was one of the first to speak out:

“I’ve known Vladdy since we were teenagers. He’s the heart of this team. If he says he needs to do this, I’m behind him all the way. He’s going to change the world, I have no doubt.”

George Springer added, “I’ve played with legends. But this guy? He’s something else. This move just shows how big his character really is.”

Even New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, often a rival on the field, posted on X:

“Much respect to @vladdyjr27. You’re making a bigger impact than any home run ever could. Godspeed, brother.”

A Career Still on the Rise

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. leaves the game — temporarily — at the height of his powers. Through the 2025 season so far, he has recorded:

• 23 home runs
• .312 batting average
• 89 RBIs
• A .973 OPS

He is a three-time All-Star, 2021 Silver Slugger Award winner, and the runner-up in the 2021 AL MVP voting, just behind Shohei Ohtani. His legacy in Toronto is already cemented, but this new chapter adds a layer of human depth to an already storied career.

What This Means for the Blue Jays

The Blue Jays now face a gaping hole at first base and in the lineup. With the postseason race tightening, the timing is challenging — but the club has pledged to honor Guerrero’s decision without pressure or regret.

“We’re not going to rush him or guilt him into returning,” GM Ross Atkins said. “Vladdy gave us everything. Now it’s our turn to support his journey.”

Toronto is expected to call up Spencer Horwitz from Triple-A to fill the immediate vacancy.

Swing of Hope Foundation Already Gaining Global Support

Within hours of the press conference, Guerrero Jr.’s Swing of Hope Foundation had already received partnership inquiries from UNICEF, MLB Latin America, and multiple educational NGOs.

A website and donation portal crashed briefly due to heavy traffic as fans and supporters worldwide rushed to contribute and learn more.

“I want to use the same passion I brought to baseball and put it into building schools, saving lives, and inspiring kids,” Guerrero said. “That’s my new mission.”

Legacy Beyond the Diamond

While many athletes speak about giving back, few take such bold, immediate, and deeply personal steps. Guerrero’s decision has drawn comparisons to Muhammad Ali’s stand against war, or Colin Kaepernick’s stand for justice — though his cause is uniquely focused on grassroots humanitarianism.

Toronto mayor Olivia Chow announced that a city mural featuring Guerrero’s face and the words “It Is Done, But Not Over” will be painted near Rogers Centre this month as a tribute to his impact.

Final Words From Vladdy

Before leaving the stage, Guerrero Jr. took a moment to speak directly to fans in English and Spanish.

“To every fan who cheered for me, wore my jersey, or believed in me — this is not goodbye. It’s see you later. Baseball will always be my home. But right now, the world needs more than my bat. It needs my heart.”