For the Toronto Blue Jays’ return to the World Series, the organization tapped into its rich history by selecting two franchise legends to deliver the ceremonial first pitches for Games 1 and 2. Former manager Cito Gaston will handle the honor for Game 1, while slugger Joe Carter will step up for Game 2.
Gaston and Carter were integral to Toronto’s back-to-back championships in 1992 and 1993, and their presence at the mound sets a tone of legacy, pride and national baseball relevance as Canada’s lone major-league franchise prepares for its first Fall Classic in 32 years.
Cito Gaston’s Career Overview
Gaston made his debut in 1967 and played through 1978, seeing time with the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates. His best batting season came in 1970 with the Padres, hitting .318 with 29 homers and 93 RBIs–a standout performance that earned him All-Star honors. Although his playing stats weren’t Hall of Fame-level, his experience and presence set the stage for what came next.
Gaston transitioned to coaching and then management, taking over the Blue Jays in 1989. Under his leadership, Toronto won four American League East titles (1989, 1991, 1992, 1993), two AL pennants and back-to-back World Series titles in 1992 and 1993. Those championships were particularly significant: Toronto became the first non-U.S. franchise to win the World Series, and Gaston became the first African-American manager to win a World Series.
Beyond the numbers, Gaston is celebrated for his calm leadership style and his ability to get the best out of his players. His players often praised his communication and steady presence under pressure. The Blue Jays honored him by placing his name and number on their Level of Excellence, and he was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002.
Joe Carter’s Career Overview
In Cleveland, Carter blossomed into a postseason-caliber slugger. He led the league in RBIs (121) in 1986 and recorded multiple seasons of 30+ home runs, proving that he belonged among the game’s elite. His leadership and productivity made him a sought-after piece.
When the Blue Jays acquired Carter in 1991, they added more than just big-league numbers–they gained a clutch performer in the making. Over his time in Toronto, he became the face of a franchise that had aspirations beyond a division title; it wanted championships.
Carter’s career reached its pinnacle with that unforgettable walk-off three-run homer in Game 6 of the 1993 World Series. With the Blue Jays trailing and the final out moments away, Carter delivered, forever embedding his name in baseball lore.
Beyond the moment, Carter’s career was characterized by consistency. Ten times he drove in 100+ runs. His total of 1,445 RBIs places him among the upper tier of run-producers in MLB history. His blend of power, durability and high-stakes performance made him the kind of athlete whose name lived in both stat sheets and memory.
What to Expect at Game 1 and Game 2
Game 1 will begin with a stirring dual-anthem performance from Voices of Fire, the award-winning choir known for its soul-infused gospel sound and collaborations with Pharrell Williams. The group will perform both the U.S. and Canadian national anthems, joined by a local Canadian ensemble to create a performance that captures the cross-border spirit of the event.
For Game 2, MLB has turned to two internationally recognized pop stars. Bebe Rexha, the Grammy-nominated American hitmaker known for her powerhouse vocals, will perform the U.S. national anthem. She’ll be followed by Alessia Cara, the Canadian singer-songwriter and Grammy Award winner, who will lend her soulful tone to the Canadian anthem.
Game 1 and Game 2 of the 2025 World Series will both begin at 8:03 p.m. ET, with pregame ceremonies starting around 7:30 p.m. ET.
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