“Played Against the Jays”: Deion Sanders Reminisces Facing Toronto Blue Jays in Historic World Series

Deion Sanders is one of the free people who played their roles in both baseball and football. In a recent talk with the Nelk Boys, coach Prime opened up about his time in Toronto. The conversation captured his walk down memory lane: “I played against the Jays.”

Well, it is commendable how Sanders’ contribution to both the MLB and NFL has been commendable. And one cannot forget his time with the Atlanta Braves. During his 46 games with the Braves, there was a moment that he reflected on, particularly from the 1992 era. 

Coach Prime’s Anecdote from Facing the Blue Jays in a Historic World Series

Amid an introductory conversation between ‘Coach Prime’ and the Nelk Boys, he was taken by pleasant surprise when one of the hosts said he was from Toronto. That struck a chord with the 56-year-old coach of Colorado Buffaloes football. He immediately recalled, “Toronto is a clean city. I played there, baseball.”

Now if you are thinking Sanders played for the Toronto Blue Jays (as one might assume hearing Sanders’ response), know that “no, no, played against the Jays,”  in Sanders’ words. This dates back to the early 1990s when the Braves matched up against the Jays for the World Series. The year was 1992 when Toronto defeated Atlanta four games to two. This incident in history marks the first time a team based outside the United States has won the World Series. 

The only Canadian team to participate in a World Series and win it is the Toronto Blue Jays. They went on to repeat their win the following year, in 1993. This makes one wonder what Sanders’ contribution to the Braves was, even though they eventually lost. Well, Deion Sanders ignited a Braves rally in the bottom half of the inning.

With one out, Sanders singled. Soon after, he stole second, and after Pat Borders made an errant throw, he got up and ran to third. While the Braves didn’t win, this day was etched in the mind of Sanders, who associates closely with Atlanta. 

“Chocolate City” Memories: Deion Sanders on his love for Atlanta 

Speaking of Atlanta, ‘Coach Prime’ shared his emotions about Atlanta. Picking out the cities he played for in the MLB (including Cincinnati), he said, “It would have to be Atlanta.” He goes on to add, “Atlanta is the Chocolate City; I had never seen prominent black folks like I did when I played. I didn’t know that existed coming from college.” 

That said, it becomes increasingly evident that Sanders’ time in Atlanta with the Braves was one to remember. The conversation proceeded with more insightful words from the legendary man himself. But amid many anecdotes, this one stood out, as it is etched as an important moment in history.