Blue Jays Icon Joe Carter Honored with Statue at Rogers Centre
Toronto Blue Jays legend Joe Carter is set to be honored with a statue commemorating his iconic walk-off home run that clinched the 1993 World Series. This significant tribute will be located outside Rogers Centre, marking an unforgettable moment in the franchise’s history.
Statue Unveiling Details
The statue will serve as a tribute to the first World Series championship won on Canadian soil. It represents the back-to-back titles achieved by the Blue Jays in 1992 and 1993. The announcement was made on a Monday through various social media channels.
- Location: Between Gates 5 and 6 at Rogers Centre.
- Current Statue Move: Edward Rogers Sr.’s statue will be relocated to a Rogers Communications office.
- Unveiling Date: July 18, during a pre-game ceremony.
- Replica Rings: The first 15,000 fans will receive World Series replica rings from 1992 and 1993.
- Replica Statue Giveaway: A back-to-back replica statue will also be given to the first 15,000 fans on August 10.
Significance of the Moment
In a statement, Joe Carter expressed how special his teammates from the 1992 and 1993 seasons were to him. “We felt such pride wearing the Maple Leaf on our uniforms,” Carter noted. He dedicated the statue to the loyal fans who supported the team throughout the years.
Impact on Canadian Sports
Mark Shapiro, president of the Blue Jays, emphasized the importance of this moment in Canadian sports history. He remarked that the back-to-back championships hold a permanent place in the hearts of Canadian sports fans. As the team approaches its 50th season, the statue will symbolize baseball excellence in Canada for future generations.
In a light-hearted moment captured on video, the 65-year-old Carter was surprised by Shapiro and Paul Beeston with the exciting news of the statue. This tribute not only celebrates Carter’s legacy but also enshrines a pivotal moment in baseball history.
