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Toronto Blue Jays announcer Buck Martinez has announced his retirement, ending a career that saw the former big-league catcher call over 4,000 Blue Jays games over four-plus decades in the booth.
Martinez made the announcement in a statement Friday, saying after conversations with his wife Arlene, that it was time to pass the torch.
The 77-year-old from Redding, Calif., first joined the Blue Jays as a player in 1981 and spent his final six seasons with Toronto.
Martinez first tried broadcasting in 1982 when he covered the MLB all-star game and post-season play for the Telemedia Radio Network.Â
After six seasons as a catcher in Toronto, his TV broadcast career began in 1987 as a Blue Jays colour commentator. He also worked for ESPN, XM Radio, TBS and MLB International before joining Sportsnet in 2010.
Buck Martinez is seen blocking the plate during a September 1982 game. Three years later, he would break his leg in a similar play at home plate. (Bill Becker/The Canadian Press)
Martinez served as an analyst with play-by-play announcer Dan Shulman on the network for the last 10 seasons. He called every Blue Jays playoff game on Sportsnet in 2025, right up to their heartbreaking loss in Game 7 of the World Series.
“What a glorious season it was,” Martinez said. “It was a joy and honour to be involved in each and every game through Game 7 of the World Series. Only one other outcome could have topped this fantastic year.”
He also managed the Blue Jays in 2001 and part of the 2002 season, compiling a 100-115 record.
“It has been a fantastic journey with Sportsnet, the Blue Jays and the wonderful Blue Jays fans all over the world,” he said.
“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 look forward to continuing to root for the Blue Jays with you, and you’ll always be in my heart.”
Buck Martinez seen at a game in 2016. (Kathy Willens/The Associated Press)
Martinez was diagnosed with cancer in 2022 and took a leave of absence from the booth from April 17 to July 26 that year while undergoing treatment.
He was awarded the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame’s Jack Graney Award as a member of the media who has made significant contributions to baseball in Canada.
Martinez also managed the Blue Jays in 2001 and part of the 2002 season, compiling a 100-115 record. He was the skipper for the United States at the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006, facing former Blue Jays platoon-mate and Canada manager Ernie Whitt in what ended in an 8-6 upset by the Canadians.
“Buck has been one of the most prominent figures in the history of the Toronto Blue Jays, dedicating decades to the game he loves and to this organization as a player, manager, and broadcaster,” Blue Jays president and CEO Mark Shapiro said.
“Buck has connected generations of fans with his passion, insight, and unparalleled storytelling. His legacy extends far beyond the microphone, and he will always hold a special place in the hearts of Canadian baseball fans.”