Longtime Toronto Blue Jays broadcaster Buck Martinez announced his retirement on Friday.
Martinez, 77, started working as the team’s color analyst in 1987 after a 17-year career. He eventually coached the Blue Jays in 2001 and 2002, then joined the Baltimore Orioles’ television studio from 2003 to 2009, before returning to Toronto in 2010.
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Martinez said in a statement that he decided to leave after talking to his wife after the 2025 World Series, saying “it’s time to get out of the stands and enjoy the years ahead.”
It’s been an amazing journey with Sportsnet, the Blue Jays and the wonderful Blue Jays fans around the world. Thank you to all of you for embracing me and welcoming my family and I and making us feel like we are a part of you. I will greatly miss the people I work with, the leadership at Rogers University, and the Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club who make it so much fun to be on the field talking about the game I have loved my entire life. Especially for fans, I will miss the “selfies,” the handshakes, and the welcoming smiles. I will never forget any of it, nor the unwavering support and generosity that meant more than words can describe. I look forward to continuing to cheer for the Blue Jays with you and you will always be in my heart. My sincere thanks to all of you.
I had hoped to be a part of the Toronto Blue Jays’ 50th anniversary, but now it’s time to pass the torch. Enjoy 2026 and beyond, and see you soon.
With the highest gratitude and respect,
As a player, Martinez began his MLB career in 1969 with the Kansas City Royals. After eight seasons, Martinez was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers and remained there until the 1980 season. He was traded to Toronto early in the 1981 season and played there before retiring in 1986.
In 2022, Martinez announced he would be leaving the Blue Jays booth after being diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, a type of head and neck cancer. After three months of treatment, he made a brief return and was warmly welcomed by fans.
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In May, Martinez stepped away from broadcasting again to undergo treatment for lung cancer before returning in late summer.
