The Toronto Blue Jays introduced a new home run celebration prop on Tuesday: the home run dragon. After left fielder Jonatan Clase hit a three-run home run in the second inning against the San Francisco Giants, he was presented with a red dragon toy impaled on a stick, in addition to the traditional home run jacket.
Clase's blast gave the Blue Jays a 3-0 lead at Oracle Park. The team went on to win 9-3. The home run was Clase's first of the 2026 season and the fourth of his MLB career.
Origin of the home run dragon
The idea for the dragon came from hitting coach David Popkins, according to Sportsnet. Popkins said the dragon represented “fearlessness.” The toy was purchased at a store before Tuesday's game. Two dragons were bought: one for the batting cages and another for use during games.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider told Sportsnet he saw the dragon before the game. “It was kind of just sitting there with Vlad (Guerrero Jr.) and Valey (Brandon Valenzuela). They were kind of petting it. And then George (Springer) brought it out for the homer, so you’ve got to go ask those guys about it. But yeah, stuffed dragon, good.”
Celebration adds to team spirit
The home run dragon joins the Blue Jays' existing post-homer traditions, including the home run jacket, which is typically worn on Canada Day. Clase was seen happily showing off the dragon while wearing the jacket in a social media post by the team.
The Blue Jays shared a video of Clase's home run on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption: “Clase is BACK in session! His first blast of 2026.” Another post introduced the dragon: “INTRODUCING: THE HOME RUN DRAGON.”
The new prop has quickly become a talking point among fans and players, adding a playful element to the team's celebrations as they push through the season.
