Longtime Toronto Blue Jays announcer Buck Martinez has decided to retire, concluding a career that spanned over four decades and included calling more than 4,000 Blue Jays games. Martinez, who hails from Redding, California, joined the Blue Jays as a player in 1981 and transitioned to broadcasting in 1987 as a colour commentator after a successful playing career.
In a statement released on Friday, Martinez expressed that after discussions with his wife Arlene, he felt it was the right time to step away from the broadcasting booth. Throughout his tenure, Martinez worked with various media outlets, including ESPN, XM Radio, TBS, and MLB International, before settling in with Sportsnet in 2010.
Martinez, 77, became a familiar voice alongside play-by-play announcer Dan Shulman on Sportsnet for the past decade, providing analysis and commentary. He also had a brief stint managing the Blue Jays in the early 2000s, posting a 100-115 record during his tenure.
Despite battling cancer in 2022 and taking a temporary leave from broadcasting for treatment, Martinez continued to be a respected figure in Canadian baseball. His dedication to the sport and the Blue Jays organization was acknowledged when he received the Jack Graney Award from the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame for his significant contributions to the sport in Canada.
Blue Jays president and CEO Mark Shapiro praised Martinez for his lasting impact on the team and the fans, highlighting his passion, insights, and storytelling abilities. Martinez’s retirement marks the end of an era for Blue Jays fans, but his legacy as a player, manager, and broadcaster will always hold a special place in the hearts of Canadian baseball enthusiasts.
