Toronto Blue Jays fans at Rogers Centre got a night they probably won’t forget.
After Toronto beat the Seattle Mariners 8-1 on Friday, plenty of people who stayed around Joe Carter’s new statue outside the ballpark got an unexpected bonus: Carter himself.
The statue, which was recently unveiled on July 18, had already become a stop for Blue Jays fans. But Friday night turned it into something more, as Carter showed up while Toronto was still fighting to keep its playoff hopes alive.
“This is phenomenal, Carter said when chatting with Fan First Network on Friday night. "I thought I'd come out here and surprise everybody. First time back since the statue went up."
"Thought I'd come out here and take a few pictures, because this is what the fans wanted."
And the fans made it obvious they were thrilled. Dozens of photos popped up online from the impromptu meet-and-greet outside Rogers Centre, with one fan saying, "I can't believe this happened," and another posting, "THIS IS WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF."
A video from the scene even captured chants of “Joe, Joe, Joe” breaking out as Carter smiled and took it all in.
Carter wasn’t the only former Blue Jay around this weekend, either. He and Jose Bautista were both at Friday’s game ahead of Toronto’s Hall of Excellence unveiling Saturday at Rogers Centre. Carlos Delgado was among the other Jays players on hand as well.
Saturday’s Hall of Excellence celebration will include Buck Martinez, who will be honored before the afternoon game against the Mariners. Fans were lining up early for a shot at one of the 15,000 free Buck Martinez bobbleheads.
Carter also spoke about Martinez as the Hall of Excellence opened.
"The enthusiasm he had for the game, the way he played the game, managed the game, and being involved for all the years he was in baseball, it's a great honour [being inducted into the Jays' Hall of Excellence]."
The weekend around Rogers Centre has a clear buzz to it, with Carter’s surprise appearance and the Buck Martinez celebration giving fans plenty to smile about. On Saturday, they can also grab a Buck Martini or a Buck Martinez hot dog.
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