The Toronto Blue Jays are set to honor Buck Martinez, a veteran broadcaster, by inducting him into the team’s Hall of Excellence at Rogers Centre this Saturday. Martinez, who recently retired after calling over 4,000 games, has had a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades with the Blue Jays as a player, manager, and broadcaster.
Expressing his gratitude, Martinez acknowledged the Jays fans for their unwavering support throughout the years, making him feel like a part of their families. Known for his distinctive broadcasting style and iconic phrases like “a swing and a drive” and “get outta here ball,” Martinez revealed that these catchphrases were inspired by his time in Milwaukee and his return to Toronto in 2010.
Reflecting on his transition to retirement, Martinez shared that it has been a significant change after being involved in professional baseball since 1967. Despite intending to participate in the Jays’ 50th season celebrations, Martinez had to step back due to health reasons, having battled cancer for the second time in 2025 (initially diagnosed in 2022). He happily announced that he is now cancer-free and in good health.
The Hall of Excellence, located on the 100 Level concourse behind right field, will showcase an exhibit honoring key figures who have shaped the Blue Jays franchise, including players, coaches, builders, and broadcasters. The current 11 members on the team’s Level of Excellence will also be featured, such as Jose Bautista, Joe Carter, and Roy Halladay.
Martinez, who initially felt “exiled” when joining the Blue Jays in 1981, later came to appreciate Toronto’s passion for baseball and the team’s strong fan base. He praised last year’s World Series as one of the best he has witnessed, particularly highlighting the pivotal Game 7 and the team’s exceptional chemistry.
Despite recent challenges faced by the Blue Jays, Martinez remains optimistic about the team’s future, emphasizing the game’s inherent difficulty even for top players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. He expressed gratitude for the memories shared with fans and the enduring support from the baseball community.