A familiar voice will be missing when the 2026 Toronto Blue Jays seasons begins.
Legendary announcer Buck Martinez announced his retirement from the booth on Friday after a career spanning over four decades.
“After the World Series, my wife Arlene and I had plenty of time to think about the past and look forward to the future. After many heartfelt conversations, we both decided it was time for me to step out of the booth and enjoy the years ahead,” Martinez said in a press release.
Martinez, the 77-year-old from Redding, Calif., first joined the Blue Jays organization in a trade during the 1981 season. He spent six seasons with the club as a catcher before retiring in 1986 after a 17-year MLB career.
One year later, he joined the Blue Jays television broadcast as a colour commentator, beginning the first of two stints in between a role as the team’s manager from 2001-2002.
His final call will stand as Game 7 of the 2025 World Series.
“Buck Martinez is a legend in baseball,” Sportsnet president Greg Sansone said in the statement. “His voice is synonymous with summer, and his passion for the sport and dedication to his craft are unrivaled. It has been the highest honour for all of us who have had the pleasure to work with him.”
More to come.
