Max Scherzer has never been one to hold back—and since returning to the Toronto Blue Jays, he’s been especially open.
Whether it’s clearing up old stories or sharing behind-the-scenes moments, the veteran ace has offered a steady stream of insight into clubhouse life. His latest revelation, however, has fans reacting for a very different reason.
This time, the spotlight turned to former teammate Chris Bassitt—and a habit that Scherzer didn’t hesitate to call out.
During a recent appearance on Foul Territory, Scherzer recounted a moment that caught him completely off guard when he first joined the Blue Jays. Bassitt, now with the Baltimore Orioles, had developed a routine that went against one of the most basic clubhouse norms.
He wasn’t wearing shower shoes.
For most players, that’s non-negotiable. Clubhouse showers are shared spaces, and wearing footwear is a simple way to avoid infections or other issues. It’s one of those unwritten rules that rarely needs explaining.
Which is why Scherzer’s reaction was immediate.
When he noticed Bassitt skipping them, he couldn’t believe it. According to Scherzer, he confronted him directly, questioning how anyone could ignore something so standard. The response, apparently, didn’t lead to any changes.
What made it even more surprising was that this wasn’t always the case.
Scherzer pointed out that during their time together with the New York Mets, Bassitt did follow the norm. Somewhere along the way, that changed—and it didn’t go unnoticed by his teammates.
In fact, it became something of a running issue inside the clubhouse.
Scherzer joked that the team tried multiple ways to convince Bassitt to reconsider, even offering incentives in an effort to get him to adopt better habits. Nothing worked.
Eventually, the situation turned into classic clubhouse humor.
Frustrated but amused, teammates jokingly escalated their approach—trying to “teach a lesson” in the only way ballplayers sometimes do: by turning it into a prank-filled standoff. Even then, Bassitt didn’t budge.
Remarkably, despite ignoring what many would consider basic hygiene precautions, Bassitt reportedly never dealt with any foot-related issues during the season.
While the story adds a humorous—and slightly unsettling—layer to clubhouse dynamics, it also highlights Scherzer’s growing comfort in Toronto.
Since rejoining the Blue Jays on a one-year, incentive-heavy deal, the 41-year-old has looked sharp on the mound. In limited spring action, he’s yet to allow a run, showing early signs that he can still be a difference-maker.
Off the field, he’s embraced the team just as much.
Scherzer has spoken openly about his appreciation for the organization, and his family has clearly connected with the city as well. It’s a return that feels both professional and personal—and one that already seems to be paying off.
And if nothing else, he’s making sure fans get a glimpse of what really goes on behind clubhouse doors.
Because sometimes, the most memorable stories in baseball have nothing to do with what happens on the field.
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