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Buck Martinez announced his retirement after more than 40 years with the Blue Jays, calling over 4,000 games and stepping into the booth for the final time during Game 7 of the 2025 World Series.

Martinez joined the Jays as a catcher in 1981 before transitioning into broadcasting, becoming a defining voice of the team for generations of fans.

Social media is filled with tributes thanking Martinez for decades of memorable calls, with many saying Blue Jays games “won’t be the same” without him.

Toronto baseball fans are saying goodbye to a whole era of the game, after iconic Blue Jays broadcaster Buck Martinez announced his retirement.

After over 40 years on the job, the 77-year-old Sportsnet broadcaster announced his retirement on Friday, leaving a heartfelt message to fans. 

“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,” he said in a media release.

“As to the fans specifically, I will miss the ‘selfies,’ the handshakes and the welcoming smiles. I will never forget any of those, nor the unwavering support and generosity, which has meant more than words can say.”

Remembering his long-standing history with the Blue Jays, where he started as a catcher after a trade in 1981, Martinez looked back on being the voice of the team throughout the years, including the historic World Series last year. 

“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.” 

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The broadcaster said he hoped to be a part of the Jays’ 50th anniversary in Toronto, which will be marked in March, but decided to retire after having a conversation with his wife following the World Series. 

“We both decided it was time for me to step out of the booth and enjoy the years ahead,” he added. 

Legendary Blue Jays Broadcaster Buck Martinez Announces Retirement

Press Release: https://t.co/Rau43YzBG2 pic.twitter.com/gqoDn9hg1p

— Sportsnet PR (@SportsnetPR) February 6, 2026

Martinez retired as a catcher five years after joining the Jays in 1981. Before then, in 1982, he first started working in broadcasting while still being an active player, commentating on the ALCS, World Series and all-star game for Telemedia.

In 1987, he first joined Sportsnet as a colour analyst for the Jays, and continued as a play-by-play announcer and commentator, stepping in the booth for the last time for Game 7 of the World Series in 2025. In total, he was the voice for over 4,000 Jays games. 

Fans react to Martinez’ retirement

Baseball fans are flooding social media with heartfelt reactions after the announcement, with many calling Martinez’s retirement the “end of an era,” reflecting on the broadcaster’s contributions to the Jays, and offering him their best wishes. 

“Bless you and your family, Buck. Thank you for every inning, of every game, of every season, of your career,” one fan wrote on X.

“Blue Jay games will never be the same! Thank you Buck for so many amazing years! All the best,” another person said. 

“End of an era. Sad to see him move on but glad that I was able to enjoy his work. All the best, Buck,” a different fan added. 

“Blue Jays, add him to the Level of Excellence on Opening Day. So, we as fans can send Buck off the right way. Thank you very much, for your service, and your continued dedication to the sport of baseball in the country of Canada as the voice of the Blue Jays,” another fan said.