On October 28, 1993, Joe Carter hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 6 of the World Series, giving the Toronto Blue Jays an 8-6 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies and back-to-back championships—the only ones in franchise history. Carter finished that season with 33 home runs and a .254 batting average, but that swing became immortal.
The setup: Toronto defending their crown
The Blue Jays arrived at 1993 as defending champions after winning in 1992. The team had posted a 95-67 record and faced a strong Phillies squad with a 97-65 mark. The series sat at 3-2 in Toronto’s favor, but Philadelphia forced Game 6 back at the SkyDome.
The ninth-inning drama
With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Mitch Williams (Phillies reliever) faced Carter. The count reached 2-2. Williams threw a fastball that Carter didn’t miss. The ball cleared the left-field wall. The Blue Jays were down 6-5 at that moment; with Rickey Henderson and Paul Molitor on base, the final score became 8-6. Series won. Championship won.
Carter’s 1993 numbers
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Home runs (regular season) | 33 |
| Batting average | .254 |
| RBIs | 119 |
| Games played | 155 |
| World Series homer (Game 6) | 3 runs scored |
Toronto’s unforgettable moment
Carter’s homer remains the most iconic hit in Blue Jays history. It didn’t just win a World Series at home—it sealed the only back-to-back championship the franchise has ever won. Toronto hasn’t returned to the Series since 1993. The swing also stands as the last championship-clinching home run Canada has ever seen in October; the nation has been waiting over three decades for another.
FAQ
What was Joe Carter’s batting average in the 1993 World Series?
Carter batted .276 in the series with 3 home runs and 8 RBIs, proving crucial to Toronto’s offensive attack.
Who was the pitcher that gave up the home run?
Mitch Williams, the Phillies’ closer, threw the pitch that Carter connected for the ninth-inning blast in Game 6.
Has there been another World Series home run as dramatic since then?
Yes: Edgar Rentería’s in 2010 (Giants vs Rangers) and David Freese’s in 2011 (Cardinals vs Rangers) rank among the most iconic, but Carter’s remains the most celebrated in Canadian baseball history.
