Legendary Blue Jays announcer Buck Martinez’s profession ends within the World Sequence.
Martinez introduced his retirement Friday in an announcement, citing that he and spouse Arlene got here to the choice that he ought to step away from the sales space by means of conversations after the season.
He went on to thank the Blue Jays and their fanbase, together with Sportsnet, Toronto’s broadcasting accomplice. He added that he’ll miss taking selfies, shaking fingers and seeing the grins of followers on a regular basis.
“I had hoped to be a part of the fiftieth 12 months of the Toronto Blue Jays nevertheless it’s time to go the torch. Get pleasure from 2026 and past, I’ll see you down the street,” Martinez wrote on the finish of his assertion.
Earlier than moving into broadcasting, Martinez loved a 17-year MLB taking part in profession.
From 1969-86, he batted .225 with 58 homers and 321 RBIs. His ultimate six seasons had been spent in Toronto after a commerce to the Canadian franchise, which Martinez referenced in his assertion.
“It’s arduous to consider I got here to Toronto in a commerce in Could of 1981, considering that may be the tip of an excellent profession,” Martinez mentioned. “Little did I do know that I nonetheless can be related to the Blue Jays by means of the 2025 season.”
After retiring in 1986, Martinez instantly turned to the mic because the Blue Jays’ colour analyst in 1987. He then spent a number of years as the colour commentator for the Baltimore Orioles’ broadcasts, even successful a Sports activities Emmy Award for serving to broadcast Cal Ripken Jr.’s 2,131st straight recreation.
In 2010, he returned to the Blue Jays and remained with the staff earlier than taking a depart of absence in 2022 to bear therapy for most cancers.
Final 12 months, he got here underneath fireplace for feedback he made in regards to the Yankees on a Blue Jays broadcast.
Following New York’s 10-run loss to the Detroit Tigers, Martinez eviscerated the Bronx Bombers’ playstyle, finally foreshadowing their eventual loss to Toronto within the playoffs.
“The Yankees — they’re not a very good staff,” Martinez mentioned. “I don’t care what their document is. They’ve lots of wild pitches, they make lots of errors within the area, they don’t run the bases very properly. In the event that they don’t hit residence runs, they don’t have an opportunity to win.”
Martinez’s profession with the Blue Jays led to almost the easiest way it might have.
Toronto made the World Sequence for the primary time this century and fell one win — and two outs — away from downing the Dodgers in Recreation 7.
Now, Martinez will watch from the stands as Toronto tries to complete the job.
