After an iconic career spanning decades with the Toronto Blue Jays organization, legendary Sportsnet Blue Jays color commentator Buck Martinez announced his retirement from the booth at the age of 77.
“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 said in a statement shared to X on Friday by the Toronto Blue Jays. “Little did I know that I still would be associated with the Blue Jays through the 2025 season. What a glorious season it was. It was a joy and an honour to be involved in each and every game through Game 7 of the World Series. Only one other outcome could have topped the fantastic year.
“It has been a fantastic journey with Sportsnet, the Blue Jays and the wonderful Blue Jays fans all over the world. Thank you all for embracing me and welcoming my family and me in a way that has made us feel like we are part of yours. I will dearly miss my working partners, the leadership at Rogers, and the Toronto Blue Jays baseball club, all of whom made it so much fun to be at the ballpark talking about the game I’ve loved for my whole life.”
Martinez began his time with the Blue Jays toward the end of his professional baseball career, spending six seasons as a catcher in Toronto, enjoying some of his best success. The former catcher joined the Blue Jays broadcasting crew in 1987, just one year after retiring.
Martinez also spent two seasons as the Blue Jays manager, but struggled during his brief two-year stint, later rejoining Toronto’s broadcasting booth in 2010 when he joined Sportsnet. Martinez is beloved by Toronto after spending time as a player, manager and broadcaster.
Nearly 45 years after first joining the Blue Jays organization, Martinez is stepping away from the game of baseball after he got more than he ever dreamed of when he joined Toronto in 1981. He will be missed by players, coaches and fans alike as he retires.
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