Blue Jays legendary broadcaster Buck Martinez announces retirement out of the blue

Feb 6, 2026 (10:04)

Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Buck Martinez is officially hanging up the headset, marking the end of the most iconic broadcasting era in Blue Jays history.

This news hits like a fastball to the ribs for anyone who grew up with his voice filling their living room.

We always knew this day would eventually come, but reading the official announcement makes the upcoming season feel instantly colder.

For over four decades, Buck has been the soul of this franchise, first in the dugout and then in the booth.

He wasn't just a commentator; he was the wise baseball uncle who taught an entire country the nuances of the game.

Martinez (Drafted 2nd Round, 1967 by Philadelphia) had a respectable career as a gritty catcher, but his second act was legendary.

He played 1,049 games and hit 58 home runs in the big leagues, yet his stats pale in comparison to his impact on the airwaves.

He brought a catcher's intellect to every pitch, predicting pitch sequences before the pitcher even started his windup.

There is a profound sense of loss today because Buck championed this team through its darkest rebuilding years and its wildest playoff runs.

His signature "Get up, ball!" call wasn't just a catchphrase; it was a prayer that every fan was screaming along with him.

We watched him battle cancer publicly in 2022, displaying a level of toughness that inspired everyone watching at home.

When he returned to the booth that season, the standing ovation he received at Rogers Centre said everything about his place in our hearts.

Buck leaves a void that no new hire can possibly fill because you cannot replicate that level of authentic passion.

He survived the bad teams, celebrated the good ones, and never stopped loving the game of baseball.

The booth will be quieter now, but the lessons he taught us about resilience and the art of catching will last forever.

Thank you, Buck, for being the consistent voice of comfort in a chaotic world.

Previously on Toronto Baseball Insider

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