Photo Gallery: “Born Ready” Guerrero bobblehead sure to be a hit

When the Toronto Blue Jays were in the midst of their deep playoff run last fall, the promotions staff was immersed in plans for the team’s 2026 giveaway schedule.

The idea for a fresh Vladimir Guerrero Jr., bobblehead stemmed from the slugger’s on-field interview after Game 6 of the American League Championship Series against Seattle.

A smiling Guerrero said he was “born ready” for Game 7 and “I want it all for this city.’ The Blue Jays went on to beat the Mariners to advance to the World Series for the first time since 1993.

Guerrero’s “Born Ready” bobblehead day is May 25 for the first 15,000 fans to arrive at Rogers Centre. It’s one of many giveaways over a home schedule that includes 50th anniversary season promotions and events.

The famous image was snapped in September 2002 by now-retired Canadian Press photojournalist Paul Chiasson. The Montreal Expos defeated the Cincinnati Reds 7-2 that day at Olympic Stadium.

In the shot, a young Guerrero — just three at the time — is standing beside his father, Vladimir Guerrero Sr., on the turf after the game.

“Junior tipping his cap, like he just seemed to know what to do,” Chiasson said from Montreal. “I don’t know where he got it, but he had it, man.”

Guerrero signed a lucrative long-term extension with the Blue Jays last spring that runs through 2039. The Blue Jays will open the new campaign on Friday night against the visiting Athletics.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 26, 2026.