The Toronto Blue Jays are paying tribute to one of their all-time legends by unveiling plans to erect a statue of Joe Carter outside Rogers Centre as part of the team’s 50th-anniversary festivities.
In a heartwarming video released by the club, viewers witness the emotional moment when Carter unexpectedly learns about the upcoming honor. Surprised during what he thought was a routine meeting at Rogers Centre in June 2025, Carter is met by former team president Paul Beeston and current president Mark Shapiro, who reveal the organization’s decision to commission a statue in his honor. This gesture commemorates Carter’s unforgettable walk-off home run in 1993, a defining moment in Canadian sports history.
Carter, a pivotal player who spent seven seasons in Toronto, clinching two World Series titles and earning five All-Star nods, holds a prominent place in Blue Jays history, ranking fifth in all-time home runs (203) and RBIs (736).
The Blue Jays have been progressively enhancing their ballpark and its surroundings in recent years, with a focus on modernizing the stadium’s exterior and creating new fan areas. The installation of a permanent monument honoring Carter signifies a significant step in the organization’s commitment to honoring its past while looking forward to a new era.
Expressing his gratitude in the video, Carter emotionally remarks, “It’s an honor. Thank you, guys. You know how much I love you guys and the Blue Jays and this city. That’s why I come back and do all of this stuff… It’s home for me.”
As the 2026 season approaches, marking 50 years since the Blue Jays’ establishment, the team has announced plans for a series of commemorative projects, events, and reunions throughout the year. Carter’s statue is poised to play a central role in the anniversary celebrations.
Recognized for his historic contributions, Carter’s statue will symbolize the back-to-back championships and serve as a tribute to the victorious 1992 and 1993 teams. The unveiling of the 1992 and 1993 World Series statue is scheduled for July 18, featuring a special pregame ceremony honoring the championship teams alongside former players.
In another exciting gesture to fans, the Blue Jays plan to distribute replica rings from the 1992 and 1993 World Series to the first 15,000 attendees on July 18, followed by a back-to-back replica statue giveaway for the same number of fans on Aug. 10.
“My teammates from ’92 and ’93 are a special group, and we all understood what it meant to play for an entire country,” Carter expressed in a press release. “This statue is for the fans, who embraced us, and we loved them right back.”