Buck Martinez is one of the most important figures in Toronto Blue Jays history, with a remarkable career spanning nearly 45 years with the organization as a player, manager and broadcaster.
Martinez joined the Blue Jays as a catcher in 1981 and became part of the club’s early history. After his playing career, he moved into broadcasting, later managed Toronto from 2001 into 2002, and ultimately became the familiar voice of Blue Jays baseball for generations of fans.
On August 29, 2026, the Blue Jays honoured Martinez by inducting him into the newly opened Blue Jays Hall of Excellence before their game against the Seattle Mariners. The ceremony celebrated his lasting impact on the franchise.
Martinez retired from broadcasting earlier in 2026 after calling more than 4,000 Blue Jays games, ending one of the longest and most recognizable careers in Canadian baseball broadcasting.
**From behind the plate to the manager’s office and finally the broadcast booth, Buck Martinez became one of the defining voices and personalities in Blue Jays history.
