Eight years after his Houston Astros’ infamous, sign-stealing win over the Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays’ $150 million star is returning to Dodger Stadium for the World Series. The Astros’ 2017 World Series win over the Dodgers was later tainted by a sign-stealing scandal that came to light two years later. While team executives faced short suspensions and lost their jobs, the players involved escaped without any real consequences.

As George Springer had a word with reporters on Thursday’s World Series media day, somehow the entire cheating scandal was brought up all over again. Well, he tried to dodge all the questions about it, but didn’t deny the allegations.

“I mean, at the end of the day, I have a job to do and have a game to focus on. So that’s the plan.” He said.

Springer could catch a break from the boos for the first two games. However, that won’t last long, with games 3 to 5 set for Dodger Stadium. The fans in Chavez Ravine wouldn’t miss a chance they get when it comes to booing Springer, José Altuve, and Carlos Correa.

When asked about heading back to Dodger Stadium in this World Series environment, Springer said, “I don’t have a choice.”

“The focus will be on the game and playing the game the best I can. It’s an incredible team on the other side of the field. Everyone knows that. Let’s just see what happens.” He added.

Well, the Blue Jays star was also asked whether he still wears his 2017 World Series ring and if he’s been in touch with any of his former Astros teammates during this run. “You know, that’s in the past. This is about the now. I’ve heard from a lot of guys, you know, up and down, all over the place.”

Whenever this topic comes up, he never avoids it, but it’s pretty clear he feels uncomfortable talking about it. 

Springer has indeed taken a lot of heat over the years. However, for the Dodgers, and especially their fans, the sting still lingers. They’d certainly love to get a little revenge on him throughout the series.

Cheating scandal involving the Blue Jays star is ‘in the past’

Springer spent nearly an hour with reporters. He talked about everything from his game-winning homer and newfound fame in Toronto to the Blue Jays’ passionate fan base.

He even touched on how to say “Toronto correctly.” In fact, he also shared his respect for the Dodgers.

Almost 2,500 miles away on the U.S. West Coast, the feeling isn’t quite the same. Dodgers fans can’t stand Springer at all! They view him as the face of the 2017 Astros team that they believe stole a World Series title from Los Angeles.

Two years later, it came to light that the Astros had been illegally stealing signs that season. This scandal cost the Astros their manager, A.J. Hinch, and GM Jeff Luhnow. Even Boston’s current manager, Alex Cora, lost his job for a year.

The Astros’ players weren’t punished. That really annoys fans of other teams. After eight long years, Springer is finally the first regular player from that 2017 Astros team to make it to the World Series with another team.

The Blue Jays star is already preparing for the reaction when the Series comes to Los Angeles for Game 3 on Monday. The Dodgers fans still remember him hitting five home runs in the 2017 Series and winning the MVP after all.