Buck Martinez is stepping away from the mic, closing the book on a remarkable career that’s spanned over 40 years in Major League Baseball - and nearly all of it with the Toronto Blue Jays in one form or another.
Martinez officially announced his retirement Friday, bringing an end to a journey that’s seen him wear just about every hat you can in the game: catcher, manager, and beloved voice of the team. For Blue Jays fans, he’s been more than just a broadcaster - he’s been a constant, a connection to the club’s past and present, and a trusted guide through the highs and lows of every season.
“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.”
That trade in ’81 may have seemed like a footnote at the time, but it ended up being the start of something much bigger. Martinez played six seasons behind the plate for Toronto, bringing veteran leadership and a steady presence to a young franchise still finding its footing. After hanging up the gear in 1986, he made a seamless transition into the broadcast booth the very next year - and never looked back.
Over the next four decades, Martinez called more than 4,000 Blue Jays games, becoming the voice fans associated with summer nights, September pennant races, and October drama. His voice carried the weight of experience, but also the warmth of someone who genuinely loved the game and the people around it. Last season, even as the Blue Jays pushed through the postseason, Martinez was there for every pitch, every moment, still bringing the same passion and insight that made him a staple of baseball in Canada.
In his statement, Martinez shared that the decision to retire came after plenty of reflection with his wife, Arlene, following the end of the 2025 season.
“After the World Series, my wife Arlene and I had plenty of time to think about the past and look forward to our future,” he said. “After many heartfelt conversations, we both decided it was time for me to step out of the booth and enjoy the years ahead.”
That kind of thoughtful exit feels fitting for someone who’s always approached the game with care and perspective.
Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro summed it up well: “Buck has been one of the most prominent figures in the history of the Toronto Blue Jays, dedicating decades to the game he loves and to this organization as a player, manager, and broadcaster.”
And that’s the legacy - not just the longevity, but the depth of involvement. Martinez managed the Blue Jays for two seasons in the early 2000s, adding another layer to his connection with the club.
But it’s his time in the booth that truly defined his second act. He didn’t just describe the game - he explained it, taught it, and made it feel personal.
For generations of Blue Jays fans, Buck Martinez has been a trusted companion through every 162-game grind. He’s been there for the big swings, the tough losses, and the unforgettable moments that define a franchise. His retirement marks the end of an era - but also a celebration of a life spent fully immersed in the game.
Baseball will move on, as it always does. But for Toronto, and for anyone who’s ever tuned in to hear Buck break down a 2-1 slider or reminisce about the old days, his voice will echo long after the final sign-off.