Blue Jays remove Rogers statue, install Carter tribute
The 12-foot bronze of the former owner comes down after 13 years as the team honors its 1993 World Series hero.
The Ted Rogers statue that stood outside Gate 6 at the Rogers Centre for 13 years came down this week, making room for a new bronze honoring Joe Carter.
The Blue Jays announced the swap as they prepare to unveil the Carter statue on July 18, marking the 45-year-old slugger's place in franchise lore. Carter's walk-off home run in Game 6 of the 1993 World Series won back-to-back titles — the pinnacle of Toronto Blue Jays history.
Fans have long questioned why the stadium's only statue celebrated a businessman rather than a player. Rogers, who owned the club from 1999 to 2020, ran it on a tight payroll and never reached the postseason during his tenure. The franchise didn't make the playoffs again until 2015, 21 years after Rogers took over.
Rogers also drew criticism for rebranding SkyDome as Rogers Centre after his company acquired naming rights — a change many locals still resist.
The Rogers statue will be relocated to the company's headquarters on Bloor Street East. The Joe Carter ceremony will include a pre-game event as the Jays face the Chicago White Sox. It's a long-overdue nod to the player who gave Toronto its only World Series rings.