The Toronto Blue Jays are making a long-awaited return to the World Series after more than thirty years, with significant changes in the world, the city, and sports consumption since their last appearance. The Blue Jays will face off against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Rogers Centre on Friday, marking their first World Series since their back-to-back victories in 1992 and 1993. Many current fans and players like Trey Yesavage, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Shane Bieber were not even born when the Blue Jays last reached the pinnacle of baseball.
Back in the early 1990s, the Blue Jays were riding high, especially after their iconic victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1993 World Series, highlighted by Joe Carter’s unforgettable home run. Fast forward to 2025, where George Springer’s game-winning homer in the American League Championship Series provided fans with another thrilling moment, raising hopes for more excitement in the upcoming clash with the Dodgers.
While the Blue Jays were enjoying success, the Toronto Maple Leafs faced disappointment in the 1993 playoffs, losing to the Los Angeles Kings. The year also saw the last Canadian team, the Montreal Canadiens, lifting the Stanley Cup. Additionally, the Toronto Argonauts had a challenging season in the CFL, finishing fourth in the East Division.
In the realm of basketball, the Toronto Raptors were established in 1995 as the NBA’s first Canadian team since 1947. The city also hosted significant events such as the Molson Indy and the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Athletics at the Skydome, now known as Rogers Centre.
Grunge music was dominant in 1993, with Nirvana’s final Toronto concert and Whitney Houston’s hit “I Will Always Love You” ruling the airwaves. Popular TV shows like “Seinfeld” and “Home Improvement” premiered, along with blockbuster movies like “Jurassic Park” and “Schindler’s List.” The political landscape saw June Rowlands as Toronto’s first female mayor, while Kim Campbell became Canada’s first female Prime Minister.
In the entertainment and cultural scene, 1993 witnessed the reopening of the Hockey Hall of Fame, the debut of Medieval Times, and the opening of The Princess of Wales Theatre. Notable landmarks like Vaughan Mills and Scotiabank Arena were yet to be established, while iconic stores like A&A Records faced closure. The TTC also completed its transition from trolley to diesel buses in 1993.
