Blue Jays Outfielder Joey Loperfido’s Rise and the Story Behind His Relationship with Faith Reilly
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Joey Loperfido is in the midst of an impressive career rebound in 2025, capturing attention both for his on-field performances and his personal life. After beginning the season in the minor leagues with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, Loperfido got the call to join the Blue Jays in early July, stepping up after Andres Gimenez suffered an ankle injury. Since then, the Philadelphia-born player has made the most of his opportunity, quickly becoming a bright spot for Toronto.
Born on May 11, 1999, in Philadelphia to Amy and Joseph Loperfido, Joey’s journey to the majors has been one of steady perseverance. He was selected by the Houston Astros in the seventh round of the 2021 MLB Draft and worked his way through their farm system before making his MLB debut in 2024. That same year, he was traded to the Blue Jays — a move that opened a new chapter in both his career and personal life. It was during his time with Houston that Loperfido began dating Faith Ann Reilly, a fellow Philadelphia Eagles fan who has been a constant source of support throughout his baseball journey.
Who is Faith Reilly?
Faith Ann Reilly, born on February 6, 2000, in Livingston, New Jersey, is the daughter of Bill and Cheryl Reilly. She grew up alongside her older brother, Will, in a close-knit family. Athleticism runs deep in her family — her cousin, Jarman, is a senior at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and previously played Division I soccer at Lehigh University before transferring.
Reilly’s educational and professional path is just as impressive as her athletic background. She graduated magna cum laude from Bucknell University’s Freeman College of Management with a degree in Markets, Innovation, and Design. Following her graduation, she relocated to Philadelphia, where she launched her career in private wealth management as a financial analyst.
While at Bucknell, Reilly balanced academics with athletics until injury altered her trajectory. She was a member of the Division I Women’s Lacrosse team but had her playing career cut short prematurely. Rather than stepping away from leadership roles, she redirected her focus — founding the Bison Finance Society to help fellow students prepare for careers in finance and serving as vice president of her sorority. Her initiative and leadership reflected the same drive she had displayed on the field.
High School Achievements
Before her collegiate years, Reilly built an impressive athletic résumé at Mountain Lakes High School in New Jersey, where she was a standout in lacrosse. A four-year letterwinner for the Mountain Lakes program, she helped the team secure back-to-back Morris County Championships in 2016 and 2017, a runner-up finish in 2018, and multiple appearances in the state sectional finals. She also played alongside Sarah Noelle Monteleone, a teammate she would later reunite with at Bucknell.
Her senior year was particularly decorated. In 2018, she earned a spot on the U.S. Lacrosse All-Academic Team and was named a First-Team Attacker for New Jersey’s All-State Group 1. She also competed in the prestigious Under Armour All-American Tournament as part of the 2017 and 2016 Underclass Teams, further establishing herself among the state’s elite young athletes.
Her high school accolades didn’t stop there — she was selected twice to the All-Morris County First Team (2017, 2018) and named a First-Team All-Conference Stars and Stripes honoree in 2018. Earlier in her career, she had also been recognized as an All-State Group 1 Third-Team Midfielder in 2017, earned Second-Team All-Conference Stars and Stripes honors that same year, and made the All-Morris County Third Team in 2016. That year, she was also recognized as an Under Armour 150 Standout Player.
Beyond school competitions, Reilly honed her skills at the club level with Building Blocks Lacrosse, gaining additional experience against some of the best youth talent in the country.
A Relationship Built on Shared Passions
Loperfido and Reilly’s relationship began during his stint with the Astros, and the pair share more than just their Philadelphia roots. Both are passionate sports fans, with a particular allegiance to the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles. That mutual enthusiasm for sports has been a cornerstone of their relationship, alongside their shared commitment to ambition, hard work, and resilience — traits both have shown in their respective careers.
For Loperfido, the support of someone who understands the highs and lows of competitive sports has been invaluable. Reilly’s own experiences in athletics — including the heartbreak of an early career-ending injury — give her a unique perspective on the mental challenges that come with being a professional athlete. In turn, Loperfido has been there to celebrate her professional milestones and champion her career growth.
From Triple-A to MLB Impact Player
When the Blue Jays called Loperfido up in July 2025, it marked not just an important career moment but also an opportunity to prove himself on the biggest stage. After spending the first half of the season working hard with the Buffalo Bisons, his transition to the major leagues was seamless. Fans and analysts have noted his improved plate discipline, speed on the basepaths, and versatility in the outfield — all attributes that have helped Toronto weather the loss of Gimenez.
The 26-year-old’s journey has been marked by persistence. From being a seventh-round draft pick to earning a starting role in MLB, Loperfido’s story is one of patience paying off. His trade from Houston to Toronto could have been seen as a setback, but instead, it became the fresh start he needed.
Looking Ahead
As the Blue Jays push through the 2025 season, Loperfido’s role will be pivotal. His blend of offensive contributions and defensive reliability has made him a valuable asset to the team. Off the field, his relationship with Faith Reilly remains a grounding force, giving him stability amid the challenges of a professional sports career.
For Reilly, her own professional endeavors continue to flourish in the finance industry, where she is applying the same leadership and strategic thinking that once helped her excel on the lacrosse field. The couple’s parallel paths — each fueled by determination and a competitive spirit — make their story one of mutual growth and unwavering support.
From high school championships to MLB stadiums, and from university lecture halls to financial boardrooms, Joey Loperfido and Faith Reilly’s journeys reflect a shared dedication to excellence. While Loperfido’s career resurgence has captured headlines in Toronto, the story behind his success is incomplete without acknowledging the influence and achievements of the woman who has been by his side.
