"Toronto Blue Jays announcer Buck Martinez has announced his retirement, ending a career that saw the former big-league catcher call over 4,000 Blue Jays games over four-plus decades in the booth. Martinez made the announcement in a statement Friday, saying after conversations with his wife Arlene, that it was time to pass the torch. The 77-year-old from Redding, Calif., first joined the Blue Jays as a player in 1981 and spent his final six seasons with Toronto."
"Martinez first tried broadcasting in 1982 when he covered the all-star game and post-season play for the Telemedia Radio Network. His TV broadcast career began in 1987 as a Blue Jays colour commentator. He also worked for ESPN, XM Radio, TBS, and MLB International before joining Sportsnet in 2010. Martinez served as an analyst with play-by-play announcer Dan Shulman on the network for the last 10 seasons."
"Buck Martinez is seen blocking the plate during a September 1982 game. Three years later, he would break his leg in a similar play at home plate. (Bill Becker/Canadian Press) Martinez served as an analyst with play-by-play announcer Dan Shulman on the network for the last 10 seasons. He also managed the Blue Jays in 2001 and part of the 2002 season, compiling a 100-115 record. Martinez was diagnosed with cancer in 2022 and took a leave of absence from April 17 to July 26 that year while undergoing treatment."
Buck Martinez announced his retirement after more than four decades in broadcasting and calling over 4,000 Blue Jays games. The 77-year-old first joined the Blue Jays as a player in 1981 and spent his final six seasons with Toronto. Martinez began broadcasting in 1982 for the Telemedia Radio Network and started TV work in 1987 as a Blue Jays colour commentator. He worked for ESPN, XM Radio, TBS and MLB International before joining Sportsnet in 2010 and served as an analyst alongside Dan Shulman for ten seasons. Martinez managed the Blue Jays in 2001–2002 and underwent cancer treatment in 2022, taking a leave of absence while receiving care.
Read at www.cbc.ca
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