Hard to believe it’s been 32 years since that unbelievable night the Blue Jays won their last World Series, beating the Philadelphia Phillies 8-6. It was one of those moments in history, where many people remember “where they were.” A rarity, as this was a happy moment in time as most mark a terrible event.
For me, I was at work, a 14 hour night shift for this Paramedic. Knowing full well the chances of being able to watch the game were slim. I reported for my shift at 6:00 pm, finished my vehicle and equipment checks. Together with my partner we were ready to roll after we had asked our dispatcher to keep us posted on the score over the radio. This was 1993, so no smart phones to keep us updated.
The game started and we had not received a call, at least we will get to see the beginning of the game. Shortly thereafter the two local police officers assigned to foot patrol in our area arrived and joined us to watch the game. By the bottom of the 3rd inning the Jays had a sound lead of 3-0!
As the game progressed, all three patrol cars from the city Police Department had joined us at the Ambulance Base. Our Ambulance Base was the choice to watch over the Fire Station as we had a “big” screen television, 35 inches! Again this was 1993. The police Department also had not received any calls; everyone seemed to be watching the big game.
We reached the 7th inning stretch and still no emergency calls! The game had made a drastic turn; the Phillies scored 5 runs in the seventh and now lead the Jays 6-4!
An Emergency call would have been welcomed as it would be far less stress than watching the game at this point.
No runs in the 8th and in the top of the ninth the Phillies did not score, it was “do or die” for the Jays!
The tension in our office grew as the Jays had two runners on base and Joe Carter was at the plate. We all know what happened next, with a mighty swing of his bat, Carter scored that incredible home run and the Jays won the 1993 World Series 8-6.
Carter had barely crossed home plate and the police officers headed back out on patrol. As the Jays triumphantly rushed the field our dispatch phone suddenly rang.
“Code 4, possible sudden death! Off we go, lights and siren.
On the way to the call, my partner and I remarked how surprised we were at not getting a call like this during the stressful, suspense filled game.
We arrive at the apartment building; an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) cruiser was already out front and a police officer talking with a bystander next to the cruiser. We stop the Ambulance and start grabbing our equipment, stretcher, Oxygen kit, Resuscitation Equipment, when the OPP Sergeant calls over and stated, “You don’t need any of that!”
I walked over to the officer and bystander and in a professional tone asked, “Is this an obvious death?”
He started to chuckle as he said no, the bystander began to profusely apologize, stating, “I didn’t know. I thought she was dead. I didn’t know what else to do!”
I asked the sergeant what was going on, he replied, my partner is inside, he’ll explain. He then began to outright laugh.
My partner and I had no problem finding the apartment; it was the only one with a busted door lying on the floor.
From the hallway, we could hear the constable talking loudly to someone inside and the sound of the celebration of the Blue Jays win blaring on the TV.
As we entered the apartment, I introduced myself and my partner to the elderly lady sitting calmly on the couch with her arms crossed and a rather upset expression. I asked the young police officer what had happened and he began to explain, Mrs. XXX had been watching the game, when Carter hit his home run she jumped up and when she landed on the floor the neighbor below heard a big bang. Concerned he came rushing upstairs, thinking she had collapsed and knocked repeatedly on her door.
With no answer, he feared she may be unconscious or worse and called 911. The officer then stated, they had arrived and were met by the neighbor, when they arrived at the apartment, they could hear a TV with loud volume from inside. After repeatedly knocking at the door and yelling for a response, they decided force entry and break the door down. With a both officers putting their full weight against the door with their shoulders, it suddenly gave way and the two officers crashed into the apartment coming to rest on the floor on top of the door.
The Constable then stated, Mrs. XXX was sitting on the couch and simply asked, “Can I help you?”
At this point Mrs. XXX interjected, “But why did you break my door?” The Constable then explained in a loud voice, because you couldn’t hear us, we thought you might be dead!
As it turned out, Mrs. XXX was very hard of hearing, the reason the TV was turned up so loud. After a quick assessment of Mrs. XXX to ensure she was OK my partner and I left the apartment as the young police officer was still trying to explain to Mrs. XXX why her door was laying on the floor.
Fortunately, Joe Carter hit a “killer home run” in game only!
How it started and ended, two photos, one at the beginning of my career as a Paramedic in 1983 and just before my retirement 37 years later.
Over my 37 years as a frontline Paramedic, I have unfortunately missed many important occasions and family activities as I was on duty. The same goes for all of us that have answered the call to service.
So as the Blue Jays go into Game 6 of the 2025 World Series, (note: it was Game 6 in 1992 and 1993 that the t Jays won both series) I wish my brother and sister Paramedics and all emergency services, a safe and quiet shift tonight so that you can enjoy the game.
“Let’s Go Blue Jays!”
Cover image courtesy of Sportsnet.
If you enjoy the content I create and find value in the articles on this website, please feel free to click on the coffee icon on the bottom right of the webpage and “Buy me a Coffee!” Your contribution will ensure that I can continue to provide the stories of these incredible Canadians and the Canadian Navy. Thank you for your support. Cheers, Roger
