Key Highlights
- The 2025 Blue Jays are seeking to emulate the historic 1993 World Series victory.
- Joe Carter’s three-run home run in Game 6 of the 1993 World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies is still remembered vividly by those involved.
- CBS broadcaster Sean McDonough made a memorable call, describing Carter’s walk-off home run as “GONE!”
- McDonough had a connection to the Blue Jays even before his World Series broadcast career began in Syracuse, New York.
Blue Jays on the Cusp of History
The 2025 Toronto Blue Jays find themselves at the precipice of history as they prepare to compete for the World Series title. This is reminiscent of their triumph in 1993, when Joe Carter’s three-run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies secured a victory and etched his name into baseball lore.
A Night to Remember
On October 23, 1993, at 11:39 p.m. Toronto time, Joe Carter delivered a legendary performance that changed not just the course of the World Series but also the career of CBS broadcaster Sean McDonough. The home run was a three-run shot that secured an 8-6 victory for the Blue Jays and ended the 90th World Series.
McDonough’s Memorable Call
Recalling the moment, McDonough described Carter’s at-bat in his trademark style: “Now the 2-2… Well-hit down the left-field line, way back and GONE! (Pauses). Joe Carter with a three-run homer!” The call was so impactful that it became part of baseball history. Although McDonough never called another national World Series game after 1993, his voice remains a highlight of that historic moment.
McDonough’s Career Origins
Before his role in the 1993 World Series, Sean McDonough had an interesting connection to the Blue Jays. His professional broadcasting career began in 1982 when he was just 19 years old, calling games for the Syracuse Chiefs of the International League. At that time, the Chiefs were Toronto’s Triple-A affiliate. This early exposure likely played a significant role in his eventual success.
Reflections on Past and Present
McDonough’s career has spanned many milestones, from Monday Night Football to ESPN’s NHL coverage. He remains proud of his call during Carter’s home run but acknowledges the surprise factor: “I sounded almost surprised because I was surprised. It was a stunning ending.” Despite not calling another World Series game, he believes his call encapsulates the significance of the moment.
Blue Jays’ Journey Continues
As the Blue Jays prepare to potentially replicate their 1993 success in 2025, many are reminded of that historic moment. The team’s journey is not just about winning a World Series but also honoring the legacy of players like Joe Carter and broadcasters like Sean McDonough.
The memory of that three-run home run and its impact on both the game and broadcasting remains vivid for those who were there and those studying baseball history.
For the Blue Jays, this is more than just a chance at a title; it’s an opportunity to honor their past and create new memories for fans and broadcasters alike.
