Buck Martinez: A Legendary Journey with the Blue Jays
The term "legend" is often thrown around in sports, but when it comes to Buck Martinez, it truly fits. As a player, manager, and broadcaster, Martinez has been a cornerstone of the Toronto Blue Jays for over four decades. His recent retirement announcement on February 6 felt like a family farewell to many Canadian fans.
Mark Shapiro, the Blue Jays’ president and CEO, aptly captured the sentiment: “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. His legacy extends far beyond the microphone, and he will always hold a special place in the hearts of Canadian baseball fans.”
Born in Redding, California, in 1948, Martinez made his major league debut with the Kansas City Royals in 1969. Over 17 seasons, he played 1,049 games with the Royals, Milwaukee Brewers, and Blue Jays, showcasing his durability as a catcher.
Even before hanging up his cleats, Martinez began his broadcasting journey in 1982, covering major events like the All-Star Game and the World Series. By 1987, he was a full-time color commentator for TSN’s Blue Jays telecasts. After a managerial stint with the Blue Jays in 2001 and 2002, he joined the Baltimore Orioles as a TV analyst before returning to the Blue Jays in 2010, becoming a familiar voice on Sportsnet for 16 seasons.
For many younger Blue Jays fans, Martinez is synonymous with broadcasting. While they might recall his playing days or his legendary double play with a broken leg in 1985, there’s so much more to his on-field career.
Here are some highlights from Martinez’s impressive 17-season major league career:
- In a conversation with Martinez in June 2024, he credited his parents for his baseball journey. His father, John, moved the family to Sacramento to boost athletic opportunities, while his mother, Shirley, a Native American from Northern California, played catch and pitched to him from a young age.
- Drafted in the second round of the 1967 MLB draft, Martinez enjoyed the second-longest career among catchers from that draft, only behind Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk.
- In his debut pro season with the Phillies' organization, Martinez batted .357 with the Low-A Eugene Emeralds, leading catchers in assists.
- Traded to the Royals in 1968, he played eight seasons, including a standout performance in the 1976 ALCS against the Yankees.
- Joining the Blue Jays in 1981, Martinez formed a formidable catching duo with Ernie Whitt. In 1982, he threw out 46% of base stealers, a mark that stands out even today.
- Martinez and Whitt became the first Blue Jays catchers to achieve back-to-back double-digit home run seasons in 1982 and 1983.
- Known for clutch hitting, Martinez batted .344 with runners in scoring position and two outs from 1982 to 1984.
- He set a franchise record with nine sacrifice flies in 1984, a mark that stood until 1989.
- Martinez had notable success against Twins ace Frank Viola, batting .394 with 13 hits.
- He was the first MLB player to record a hit with a Canadian-made bat, using a Cooper bat in 1986.
Buck Martinez’s career is a tapestry of achievements and contributions, both on and off the field. His impact on the Blue Jays and Canadian baseball is undeniable, leaving a legacy that will be cherished by fans for generations.