Toronto Blue Jays icon Joe Carter has revealed he was prepared to relinquish his legendary status after the team's thrilling World Series run came heartbreakingly close to creating a new franchise hero.
The Crown Nearly Passed
In an exclusive interview with MLB Network during baseball's general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Carter expressed both his hope for a new championship moment and his disappointment that it ultimately didn't materialize. "I was ready to give up my crown, I really was," Carter told hosts Harold Reynolds and Matt Vasgersian. "I've held it 32 years. Man, it was this close." The former slugger emphasized his willingness to see another Blue Jays player create their own historic World Series moment.
Memories of 1993 and Hopes for 2025
Carter secured his permanent place in Blue Jays history on October 23, 1993, when his walk-off home run at SkyDome clinched the team's second consecutive World Series title. The epic blast against Philadelphia Phillies closer Mitch Williams was immortalized by legendary broadcaster Tom Cheek's iconic call: "Touch 'em all, Joe. You'll never hit a bigger home run in your life."
The 2025 World Series presented the perfect opportunity for a new hero to emerge. The Blue Jays returned to Toronto with a 3-2 series lead against the Los Angeles Dodgers, needing just one more victory to secure the franchise's first championship since Carter's famous moment. In Game 7, Toronto held a 4-3 lead and was just two outs away from victory before the Dodgers staged a comeback to win their second consecutive title.
Respect for Today's Players
Carter participated in the World Series festivities, throwing the ceremonial first pitch in Game 2 while wearing his familiar No. 29 jersey. He specifically praised infielder Bo Bichette, who battled through injury to compete in the series, and veteran outfielder George Springer for their determination and old-school approach to the game.
"I tell you what, for that young man to play in the World Series, and the way he performed—him and George Springer—those are old-school guys," Carter said during his MLB Network appearance. "A lot of these young guys, they don't go back out there and play like we used to."
The Legendary Prankster
Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Carter also reflected on his reputation as a clubhouse prankster during his playing days. He recounted one of his most famous practical jokes involving teammate Derek Bell's customized Jeep following the team's 1992 division clinch against the Detroit Tigers.
"He has this Jeep. The Jeep probably costs about $10,000, but the sound system was like 50 grand. So I had an idea," Carter explained with a laugh. The resulting footage shows Carter driving Bell's vehicle onto the field as part of a mock giveaway while Bell watches in stunned disbelief.
"The look on Derek Bell's face is priceless. He's like, 'what?' I should have told him it was Operation Shutdown," Carter told the MLB Network hosts. "You've got to have some fun."
Now 65, the five-time MLB All-Star and two-time World Series champion remains an integral part of Blue Jays history through his placement on the team's Level of Excellence. While he was prepared to pass the torch to a new generation of Blue Jays heroes, baseball history will have to wait at least another year for Toronto's next championship moment.
