Buck Martinez is stepping aside after a storied career in the broadcast booth.
With spring training just around the corner, legendary Toronto Blue Jays broadcaster Buck Martinez has announced that he's retiring, effective immediately.
He put out a lengthy statement that was relayed by multiple media outlets:
“It’s hard to believe I came to Toronto in a trade in May of 1981, thinking that would be the end of a very good career,” Martinez said in a statement. “Little did I know that I still would be associated with the Blue Jays through the 2025 season.
What a glorious season it was. It was a joy and an honour to be involved in each and every game through Game 7 of the World Series. Only one other outcome could have topped the fantastic year. After the World Series, my wife Arlene and I had plenty of time to think about the past and look forward to our future. After many heartfelt conversations, we both decided it was time for me to step out of the booth and enjoy the years ahead...”
About Martinez as a player
The 77-year-old Martinez spent 17 years in the big leagues as a catcher with the Kansas City Royals, Milwaukee Brewers and Blue Jays. In total, he was a .225 hitter with 58 home runs. In six years with the Jays, he hit .222 with 35 homers.
He played in the playoffs one time: With the 1976 Royals, who lost in five games in the American League Championship Series to the New York Yankees. He hit .333.
About Martinez as a manager
He managed the Blue Jays for parts of two seasons (2000-01), going 100-115. The Jays went 80-82 in his only full season in 2000.
As a broadcaster
The following comes from Sportsnet:
Martinez first began broadcasting as an active player in 1982 when he called the ALCS, World Series and all-star game for Telemedia. He won a Sports Emmy Award for his work covering Cal Ripken's 2,131st consecutive game for ESPN in 1995, and another for Best Sports Analyst while covering the Baltimore Orioles from 2003-2009.
In all, he worked five World Series, four World Baseball Classics and multiple all-star and post-season games.
He worked Blue Jays games beginning in 1987 after his playing days were done, and then he also came back after his managerial tenure and his time with Baltimore.
There has been no indication yet as to who his replacement in the booth will be, but that's a topic for another day.
The Blue Jays will report to spring training in Dunedin, Fla. next week and they will open the season on March 27 against the Athletics.
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