After more than four decades connected to the Toronto Blue Jays, Buck Martinez has stepped away from the broadcast booth. The announcement, made Friday , marks the end of an era for the beloved Canadian sports icon, who served as a player, manager, and, most recently, the voice of the team for Sportsnet.
Martinez, 77, informed the organization of his decision after reflecting with his wife, Arlene, following the conclusion of the 2025 World Series. “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 statement released by the team.
His journey with the Blue Jays began in 1981, arriving via trade and spending six seasons as the team’s catcher. He retired as a player in 1986 after a 17-year Major League Baseball career. But his connection to the franchise didn’t end there. Martinez transitioned to broadcasting in 1982, initially covering the ALCS, World Series, and All-Star Game for Telemedia, and officially joined the Blue Jays’ television broadcast team as a colour commentator in 1987.
Between broadcasting stints, Martinez also served as the Blue Jays’ manager from 2001 through part of the 2002 season, compiling a record of 100-115. He returned to the booth, eventually spending the last 10 seasons as an analyst alongside play-by-play announcer Dan Shulman.
Throughout his broadcasting career, Martinez called over 4,000 Blue Jays games, becoming a familiar and comforting presence for generations of fans. His final broadcast was Game 7 of the 2025 World Series, a heartbreaking 5-4 loss in 11 innings to the Los Angeles Dodgers. That game, notably, was the most-watched English-language broadcast in Canadian history outside of the 2010 Winter Olympics, a testament to Martinez’s enduring appeal and the passion he brought to every call.
“Buck Martinez is a legend in baseball,” said Sportsnet president Greg Sansone. “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.”
While acknowledging the sting of the World Series defeat, Martinez expressed gratitude for his time with Sportsnet and the Blue Jays. “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. “I look forward to continuing to root for the Blue Jays along with you, and you’ll always be in my heart.”
Martinez’s broadcasting accolades extend beyond his work with the Blue Jays. He won a Sports Emmy Award for his coverage of Cal Ripken’s record-breaking consecutive games played streak for ESPN in 1995, and another for Best Sports Analyst while covering the Baltimore Orioles from 2003-2009. He contributed to broadcasts of five World Series, four World Baseball Classics, and numerous All-Star and post-season games.
Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro lauded Martinez as “one of the most prominent” figures in franchise history. “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,” Shapiro stated.
Dan Shulman, who partnered with Martinez in the broadcast booth for the last decade, echoed those sentiments. “I couldn’t have asked for a better broadcast partner. No one worked harder, no one cared more. He’s one of the most significant figures in Blue Jays history, and someone who has meant the world to everyone he worked with at Sportsnet, both as a colleague, and even more importantly, as a great friend,” Shulman said.
The Blue Jays are preparing to celebrate their 50th anniversary season in 2026, with Opening Day scheduled for March 27 against the Oakland Athletics at Rogers Centre. While Martinez expressed a desire to be part of that milestone, he ultimately felt it was the right time to “pass the torch.”
Martinez’s retirement leaves a significant void in the Blue Jays’ broadcast team and in the hearts of Canadian baseball fans. His career, spanning playing, managing, and broadcasting, embodies a lifelong dedication to the game and a deep connection to the team and its community. He leaves behind a legacy of memorable calls, insightful analysis, and a genuine passion that will be sorely missed.
