On October 20, 1992, “The Catch” became one of the most celebrated moments in Toronto Blue Jays history during Game 3 of the World Series against the Atlanta Braves. The play, made by center fielder Devon White, was a breathtaking over-the-shoulder grab at the warning track, robbing Atlanta’s David Justice of a sure extra-base hit.
At the time, Toronto held a 3-2 lead in the sixth inning, with runners on first and second and no outs. White sprinted back and leapt to make the catch, immediately turning to throw the ball in, which nearly led to a triple play. After White’s catch, he quickly relayed the ball to the infield, doubling up Terry Pendleton, who had already rounded second base. The umpires initially called Deion Sanders safe at second, but replays showed that third baseman Kelly Gruber tagged Sanders’ foot before he reached the base, making it a missed call on what should have been a triple play.
Although it wasn’t officially a triple play, the impact of “The Catch” cannot be overstated. The play killed the Braves’ momentum and was a pivotal moment that contributed to Toronto’s victory in the game. The Blue Jays went on to win Game 3 by a score of 3-2 and eventually captured the franchise’s first-ever World Series title in six games.
Devon White’s catch is still remembered as one of the greatest defensive plays in World Series history. It not only showcased his remarkable athleticism and instincts but also underscored the defensive strength that played a crucial role in the Blue Jays’ success during their 1992 championship run.
For Toronto fans, “The Catch” remains a shining moment in the club’s history, symbolizing the grit and determination that helped propel them to back-to-back World Series titles in 1992 and 1993. Even today, White’s iconic play is replayed in highlight reels as a reminder of the team’s golden era and a defining chapter in Blue Jays history.
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