Toronto Blue Jays broadcaster Buck Martinez has retired, he announced Friday.
Martinez has called more than 4,000 Blue Jays games since he joined Toronto’s broadcast team in 1987. He became a broadcaster after playing the final six of his 17 MLB seasons with the Blue Jays from 1981-86.
“It’s hard to believe I came to Toronto in a trade in May of 1981, thinking that would be the end of a very good career,” Martinez, 77, said in a statement. “Little did I know that I would still be associated with the Blue Jays through the 2025 season.
“After the World Series, my wife Arlene and I had plenty of time to talk about the past and look forward to our future. After many heartfelt conversations, we both decided it was time for me to step out of the booth and enjoy the years ahead.
“I had hoped to be part of the 50th year of the Toronto Blue Jays, but it’s time to pass the torch. Enjoy 2026 and beyond, I will see you down the road,” he added.
In addition to playing for the Blue Jays and serving as a team broadcaster, he managed Toronto in 2001 and for part of the 2002 season, posting a 100-115 record.
Prior to being traded to the Blue Jays in 1981, Martinez played three seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers from 1978-80 and his first eight MLB seasons with the Kansas City Royals from 1969-1977.
Martinez finished his MLB career with a .225 batting average, 58 home runs, 321 RBI and .627 OPS in 1,049 games played.