Legendary Blue Jays commentator Buck Martinez announced he is retiring on Friday, ending a career with the team that began 38 years ago.
“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,” the 77-year-old Martinez said in a press release.
As a player, Martinez was traded to the Jays in 1981 and began calling games as a colour analyst after his retirement in 1986.
The former catcher had a brief stint as Toronto’s manager from 2001 to 2002 but returned to the Jays broadcast booth in 2010 for Sportsnet.
“It has been a fantastic journey with Sportsnet, the Blue Jays, and the wonderful Blue Jays fans all over the world,” Martinez said. “Thank you all for embracing me and welcoming my family in a way that has made us feel we are a part of yours.”
Martinez was on the call for more than 4,000 Jays games over his career.
He took some time away this past season while he battled lung cancer. His final broadcast was Game 7 of the World Series.
“Buck Martinez is a legend in baseball,” Sportsnet president Greg Sansone said in the release. “His voice is synonymous with summer, and his passion for the sport and dedication to his craft are unrivalled. It has been the highest honour for all of us who have had the pleasure to work with him.”
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