Summers in Toronto will feel different moving forward, as Buck Martinez officially announced his retirement from the Blue Jays broadcast booth.
Sep 10, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays sportscaster and Sportsnet commentator Buck Martinez writes in his notebook during batting practice before a game against the Kansas City Royals at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
At seventy-seven years old, Martinez steps away after more than four decades intertwined with the Blue Jays organization.
Few figures in franchise history have served as player, manager, and broadcaster all within the same uniform.
Martinez arrived in Toronto in 1981, believing his playing career was nearing its end.
Instead, he found a second wind, appearing in hundreds of games and providing steady production behind the plate.
One unforgettable moment came in 1985, during a violent collision that resulted in a broken leg and dislocated ankle.
Even injured, Martinez completed one of the wildest double plays the franchise has ever seen.
After retiring as a player, Martinez seamlessly transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a familiar voice in 1987.
That role lasted more than a decade before he returned to the dugout as Blue Jays manager.
His managerial stint was brief, but his connection to the franchise never wavered.
Martinez later rebuilt his broadcasting career in Baltimore before returning home to Toronto in 2010.
This time, he handled play-by-play duties before eventually sliding back into his signature color commentary role.
In recent years, Martinez stepped away periodically to undergo cancer treatments, making his presence even more cherished.
In his farewell statement, Martinez cited family and reflection as guiding factors in his decision.
Blue Jays leadership praised his unmatched storytelling and deep connection with generations of fans.
As the franchise celebrates its fiftieth anniversary, Martinez’s retirement feels especially symbolic.
His voice helped shape the soundtrack of Blue Jays baseball, and that legacy will endure long after the booth falls silent.
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