In a move that shocked the sports community — and animal lovers — Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer have quietly set up an animal relief fund tentatively called “Blue Jays Wild Hearts,” to support rescues, wildlife shelters, and abandoned pets in the Toronto area and North America. MLB insiders say the fund will be funded by the two players themselves — with an initial commitment of millions of dollars — to fund food, medical care, and even rehoming for abandoned animals.
News of the fund first leaked when a Blue Jays insider said: Guerrero Jr. — known for his “unpredictable” homers — wants to use his prominence to “protect the most vulnerable lives” off the field. Springer, with his reputation as a veteran with a lot of experience, takes on the role of connecting with animal protection organizations. This is considered an action that can touch the hearts of fans: not only dedication on the field, but also showing social responsibility, respecting life — even when the subject is not human.
Guerrero Jr. and Springer are not rare players with famous people. They have stirred up the field many times, bringing victories to the Blue Jays with powerful hits and sprints.
But the decision to set up an animal rescue fund puts them in a completely different role: protector, voice — for creatures that cannot protect themselves.
A source close to the stars said the fund will prioritize helping abandoned dogs and cats, trafficked wildlife, and pets from poor or struggling families — creatures that, according to Guerrero Jr., “made us smile, and now we want to put a smile back on them.”
In addition, Guerrero Jr. and Springer plan to hold a series of events — from memorabilia auctions, to glove, bat, and jersey auctions — to raise money for the fund, while also calling on fans, teammates, and the community to join in. If successful, this could be the first animal charity founded by MLB stars with a widespread impact across North America.
Unexpected and humane: MLB has seen many charitable activities, but it is rare for a sprinter, slider, homer, to turn to animal protection — a topic that is often overlooked in baseball. This action is highly emotional, tapping into a very different side of humanity.
The badge spreads far and wide: With the Blue Jays’ massive fan base and global media, the foundation can quickly attract attention, donations, and spread the spirit of animal protection — creating a positive psychological effect that spreads far beyond the field.
Social and environmental impact: When sports stars stand up for animals, they not only help save lives but also raise environmental awareness, fight against violence, and foster a sense of community — something that society desperately needs today.
“Animals can’t speak. They don’t have a glove to throw, they don’t have a bat to hit. They only have us,” — insiders say, a philosophy that Guerrero Jr. and Springer both agreed on before establishing the foundation.
“Every homer from Vlad or Springer makes me go ‘wow,’” said one Blue Jays fan. “But now, when I hear that they’re calling for help for pets, I feel prouder than ever.”
Despite the excitement, the fund is still in its infancy. The exact amount of initial funding, legal details, governance, transparency, and distribution remain unclear. Whether it will be sustainable long-term, make a real difference, or just be a temporary PR stunt remains to be seen.
But with the popularity of Guerrero Jr. and Springer — and the fan base’s reach — the fund is well-positioned to start strong. And if done right, it could be one of MLB’s most memorable charitable initiatives of the next decade.
Stay tuned — because “Blue Jays Wild Hearts” is taking off. Every swing, every home run from Vlad or Springer now not only brings victory, but can bring a new life to small, innocent creatures.
