Longtime Toronto Blue Jays fixture Buck Martinez won't be behind the microphone in 2026, but he'll be forever immortalized in the Blue Jays' new Hall of Excellence, set to open up this Aug. 29.

The Jays made the announcement that Martinez will be the first inductee to the new Hall, which will replace the existing Level of Excellence. The 11 members of the Level of Excellence will all be part of the Hall as well, which will be located on the 100 level right field concourse at Rogers Centre.

Per MLB.com:

“The Hall of Excellence is a meaningful way for fans to connect with the individuals who have achieved organizational greatness and whose contributions have created lifelong memories and shaped Blue Jays baseball for generations,” said Mark Shapiro, president & CEO of the Blue Jays. “Buck has been one of the defining voices of the Blue Jays, and his passion, integrity, and unwavering commitment to this organization embody everything the Hall of Excellence represents. Honouring Buck’s legacy in our 50th season is a privilege and a moment that reflects the profound connection he has built with fans across Canada.”

Martinez, now 77, has spent a lifetime in baseball, much of it with the Blue Jays organization.

He 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.

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.

The following came from Sportsnet at the time of his retirement:

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.

Former big league catcher Joe Siddall, who also played for the Blue Jays, is expected to take over Martinez' role in the booth.

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