The Toronto Blue Jays are making their long-awaited return to the World Series after more than three decades, bringing a wave of change to the world, the city, and the sports viewing experience. The Blue Jays are set to face off against the formidable Los Angeles Dodgers at Rogers Centre on Friday, marking their first World Series appearance since the 1990s when they clinched victories against the Atlanta Braves in 1992 and the Philadelphia Phillies in 1993. Many fans and current players like Trey Yesavage, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Shane Bieber were not even born the last time Toronto graced the Fall Classic.
Back in the early 1990s, the Toronto sports scene was abuzz with the Jays’ triumph, especially the iconic moment when Joe Carter sealed the 1993 World Series with a game-winning home run, immortalized by the legendary radio announcer Tom Cheek’s famous words, “Touch ’em all, Joe.” Fast forward to 2025, George Springer’s monumental home run in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series sparked similar euphoria among fans, hoping for more glory in the upcoming series against the Dodgers.
While the Jays soared to success, the Toronto Maple Leafs faced playoff disappointment in 1993, falling to Wayne Gretzky’s Los Angeles Kings. The year also witnessed the last Stanley Cup victory by a Canadian team, with the Montreal Canadiens triumphing over the Kings in the final. Meanwhile, the Toronto Argonauts had a challenging season in the CFL, finishing fourth in the East Division and missing out on the playoffs by a narrow margin.
In other sporting news, the Toronto Raptors made history as the NBA’s first Canadian team since 1947, playing their inaugural game in 1995. The city also hosted the first Molson Indy at Exhibition Place, won by Toronto’s Paul Tracy, along with the 4th IAAF World Indoor Championships in Athletics at what is now known as Rogers Centre, where Canada secured fifth place.
In the realm of pop culture, 1993 saw Nirvana’s final Toronto concert, featuring Whitney Houston’s chart-topping hit “I Will Always Love You.” TV favorites like “Seinfeld” and “Home Improvement” dominated screens, while blockbuster movies like “Jurassic Park” and “Schindler’s List” ruled the box office. Additionally, CBC’s “This Hour Has 22 Minutes” made its debut in 1993, adding a satirical touch to television programming.
On the political front, June Rowlands served as Toronto’s first female Mayor from 1991 to 1994, within the Metropolitan Toronto system. Kim Campbell became Canada’s first female Prime Minister in June 1993, succeeding Brian Mulroney, although her tenure was brief due to the Progressive Conservatives’ electoral setback later that year.
In terms of architecture and transit, 1993 marked the reopening of the Hockey Hall of Fame at its current location, the launch of Medieval Times at Exhibition Place, and the debut of The Princess of Wales Theatre with the Canadian premiere of the musical “Miss Saigon.” While some iconic Toronto landmarks like Scotiabank Arena and Vaughan Mills were yet to be established, the city bid farewell to the A&A Records chain, which closed its doors in 1993. The TTC also completed its transition from trolley buses to diesel bus operation by the end of the year.