Blue Jays Fan Ejected from Home Opener Over "Canada Is Not For Sale" Hat Sparks Controversy

By Dara Jerde

On March 27, 2025, the Toronto Blue Jays’ home opener at the Rogers Centre took an unexpected turn—not just on the field, where the team suffered a 12-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles, but in the stands, where a lifelong fan was escorted out for his choice of headwear. Dan Begley, a 70-year-old Etobicoke resident and dedicated Blue Jays supporter, found himself at the center of a public relations storm after being removed from the game for wearing a red cap emblazoned with the slogan “Canada Is Not For Sale.”

The incident unfolded in the early innings of the game. Begley, who had arrived with two friends to enjoy the season’s first home match, was initially complimented on his hat by a security guard as he entered the stadium. The cap, similar to one worn by Ontario Premier Doug Ford in response to recent U.S. annexation threats and tariff disputes sparked by President Donald Trump, carried a message of national pride that Begley felt strongly about. For an hour and a half, he relaxed in his seat without issue, proudly sporting the hat alongside his Blue Jays hoodie.

Trouble began when an usher approached him. “She was very polite,” Begley recounted in an interview with the Toronto Star. “She said that I’m not allowed to wear something making a political statement and that I needed to remove my hat or turn it around backwards. I said no.” Begley stood his ground, refusing to comply with what he saw as an overreach. About 30 minutes later, the situation escalated: the usher returned with two security guards and a supervisor, who asked him to leave the premises.

The Rogers Centre’s policy prohibits items “intended to draw attention to international, political or other similar events, causes or conflicts” that might “detract from the experience of other fans.” The Blue Jays organization later cited this rule as the basis for their staff’s actions. However, the ejection of a 70-year-old fan for a hat expressing a sentiment many Canadians might share—especially amid heightened tensions with the U.S.—quickly ignited a backlash.

News of Begley’s removal spread rapidly, amplified by social media and local outlets like CP24 and CTV News. Fans and commentators expressed outrage, with some calling it an affront to free expression and others questioning why a statement of national pride was deemed political enough to warrant ejection. “I’d like to be able to just sit there and support my country and not be worried about being kicked out,” Begley told CP24, encapsulating the frustration felt by many.

Facing mounting criticism, the Blue Jays organization moved swiftly to contain the damage. Andrea Goldstein, Vice-President of Communications for the team, issued a statement to the Toronto Star: “We have spoken with the fan and apologized. Our staff made a mistake, and we have addressed the issue to ensure it does not happen again. We invited the fan back to the ballpark, and he has accepted our apology and is looking forward to returning.” The team extended an olive branch by offering Begley free tickets to a future game, an offer he accepted.

Begley, for his part, was gracious in the aftermath. “They made a mistake. It was a bad mistake. They admitted it, and they corrected it, and that’s fine,” he said, confirming he plans to wear his “Canada Is Not For Sale” hat again when he returns to the Rogers Centre. The resolution left him satisfied, though it did little to quell broader questions about the incident.

The ejection came at a sensitive time. With U.S.-Canada relations strained by Trump’s recent rhetoric, the phrase “Canada Is Not For Sale” has taken on a charged resonance. Premier Ford’s adoption of the slogan earlier in the year had already elevated it to a symbol of defiance against perceived American overreach. For some, Begley’s hat was less a political statement and more an assertion of identity—a distinction the Blue Jays’ staff apparently failed to appreciate in the moment.

The incident also underscored the delicate balance sports teams must strike between enforcing venue policies and respecting fan expression. While the Blue Jays’ rule aims to keep games free of divisive distractions, its application here struck many as heavy-handed, especially given Begley’s age and the context of a home opener in Canada’s largest city. The team’s quick apology suggests they recognized the misstep, but not before the story became a lightning rod for debate.

For Begley, a lifelong Jays fan, the ordeal was a sour note in an otherwise anticipated day. Yet his resolve—and his hat—remained intact. As he prepares to return to the Rogers Centre, the episode serves as a reminder that even in the stands, the line between fandom and free speech can be a tricky one to navigate. For now, the Blue Jays hope their gesture of reconciliation will turn the page on a home opener they’d rather forget, both on and off the field.

Dara Jerde is a a freelance writer for Veritas Expositae

You can reach her at dara.jerde@veritasexpositae.com