October 23, 2023
By Kevin Glew
Cooperstowners in Canada
It was 30 years ago today that Joe Carter belted a walk-off, three-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning off Philadelphia Phillies closer Mitch Williams at SkyDome to give the Toronto Blue Jays their second consecutive World Series title.
I was a second-year Carleton University student at a house party on Sunnyside Drive in Ottawa, Ont. After losing our minds in the house, we ran out on to the street and starting singing the national anthem. It was almost midnight in the nation’s capital and nobody in the neighborhood seemed to care that we were outside singing at the top of our lungs.
Everyone joined in.
It was a glorious and unifying celebration.
I remember hugging and high-fiving strangers on the street all the way back to my dorm, deep into that fall night.
I’ve never been experienced another sports celebration that matched the pure, unadulterated joy I felt as a young baseball fan that night.
So, now you’ve heard my story, where were you for Joe Carter’s home run?
I’d love for you to share your story in the Comments below.
Tom Cheek’s call
And of course, no anniversary celebration of this homer would be complete without listening to Tom Cheek call it.
Remembering Sully
Please take a moment to remember Blue Jays bullpen coach John Sullivan today. He passed away on June 1.
“Sully,” as the players called him, possessed a gruff demeanor, but a soft heart. And it was Sullivan who retrieved Carter’s home run ball, which landed in the Blue Jays’ bullpen, and gave it to Carter after the game.
Carter still owns the ball, which is estimated to be worth around $250,000.
Helmet, home plate at Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame
Two of the most popular artifacts at the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame are the batting helmet Carter wore when he belted his walk-off homer and the home plate he touched after leaped around the bases.
Both are displayed prominently at the Canadian ball hall in St. Marys, Ont.
Kevin.
As a Philadelphia Phillies baseball fan since 1948, I have no recallection of that home run. LOL
I was at home in Mississauga wandering how am I going to pay off my bets.
Sorry to hear that, Bob. Hopefully your Phillies will have a better fate this year.
I was at my house watching the game in my basement. Not very exciting but true.
Thanks for sharing this, Scott.
I remember this very well, went outside with friends on Yonge street and everyone was outside, it was one big party still brings good chills down my spine.
That must have been awesome, Essie. Thanks for sharing this.
I was in my basement, in London. I can’t recall if any friends were with me, but I went completely nuts in 5 seconds!
That’s awesome, Blaine. Thanks for sharing this.