Jays look to past World Series glory with Gaston, Carter, set to throw first pitches

Cito Gaston, manager of the 1992 and 1993 World Series-winning Toronto Blue Jays teams acknowledges the crowd on the 25th anniversary of their back-to-back championships before the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Rogers Centre Saturday August 11, 2018 in Toronto. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jon Blacker

TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays will be channelling their past World Series triumphs when they host the first two games of this year’s Fall Classic.

Former Toronto manager Cito Gaston will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 1 against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday, while Blue Jays legend Joe Carter will handle the opening toss before Game 2 on Saturday.

Gaston managed the Blue Jays to World Series victories in 1992 and ’93, with Carter playing a big role in the clinching moments of both championships.

Carter is best known for his walk-off three-run homer in Game 6 of the 1993 championship series with Philadelphia that gave Toronto its second straight title. He also recorded the final out in the bottom of the 11th inning of Game 6 of the 1992 series against Atlanta.

Gaston and Carter are the latest franchise icons to be given first-pitch honours. Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion and Josh Donaldson are among the players to perform the duties earlier in the post-season.

The actual first pitch of the World Series will be thrown by rookie Trey Yesavage, who on Thursday was named Toronto’s starter for the opening game.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 24, 2025.