Who throws out the Blue Jays playoff opener first pitch?

Joe Carter

Who better to get the play offs started than the Blue Jays last batter in a Blue Jays postseason game?  Joe Carter ended the 1993 World Series with a bomb that is still only the 2nd walk off World Series winning home run in history.  The only other person to accomplish this feat was Bill Mazeroski in the 1960 World Series.

Tom Cheek calling the game, as usual, put it into words that still bring a tear to my eye every time I hear it.  “Touch ’em all, Joe! You’ll never hit a bigger home run in your life.”  Joe Carter was one of the many faces of the glory days for the Blue Jays and still is a very active participant in the Blue Jays organization.

For example, he hosts a golf tournament appropriately called the Joe Carter Classic.  The celebrity golf tournament has raised money for the Children’s Aid Foundation since 2010.

Joe still is among the all time leaders in most offensive categories.  He is also the only Blue Jay to be involved in the both plays that ended each of the Blue Jays World Series appearances.  Did some of you forget that he caught the ball at first base thrown by Mike Timlin on the Otis Nixon bunt in 1992?  He celebrated in typical Carter fashion, jumping with fists pumping in the air.  It would not surprise me if he runs into the club house jumping for joy if the Jays go all the way again.

Random fun idea – Maybe we have a little fun with Joe and have someone pitch him a ball that he can Tee up for old time sake.  Give him a break from those golf clubs.

#Carter1Pitch

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