Blue Jays announcer Buck Martinez will step out of the broadcast booth after Sunday’s game with the Athletics.
Martinez revealed on Sunday that he had recently been diagnosed with cancer.
“Today will be my last game in the booth for a little while as I have recently been diagnosed with cancer and will begin the process for treatment in the coming weeks. I’ve been so honoured and privileged to have the support of Blue Jays fans, colleagues, staff and players since I arrived here in 1981, and that continued support through this next challenge means the world to me.
I’m grateful for a tremendous medical team, who has given me great optimism that I will come through this with flying colours. I hope to rejoin my Sportsnet teammates for the stretch run later this season, but in the meantime I will be watching from the sidelines as I fight the good fight.
I thank everyone in advance for respecting my and my family’s privacy during this time.”
Martinez, 73, played 17 seasons in the Major Leagues with the last six as a member of the Blue Jays from 1981 to 1986.
After retiring Martinez joined the Blue Jays broadcast booth. In 2001 the Blue Jays made Martinez their manager but removed him from the position midway though the 2002 season. Martinez was 100-115 during the run but the team was 20-33 prior to the firing in 2002.
A message from Buck Martinez pic.twitter.com/iZxEpiiPQ6
— Sportsnet PR (@SportsnetPR) April 17, 2022
From 2003-2009, Martinez appeared as part of the Orioles broadcast team before returning to the Blue Jays in 2010 and has remained there since. Martinez also managed Team USA in the inaugural 2006 World Baseball Classic.
