Blue Jays manager John Schneider, Joe Siddall give shoutout to retired Sportsnet broadcaster Buck Martinez
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
For the first time in nearly four decades, Buck Martinez was not part of Opening Day festivities, and for Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider, the absence felt weird.
Buck Martinez, a longtime voice of the Toronto Blue Jays, stepped away from the booth earlier this year after calling more than 4,000 games.
His connection to the organization spans almost 40 years, during which he served as a player, manager, and broadcaster.
Speaking with the Toronto Sun’s Rob Longley ahead of Friday’s season opener, manager John Schneider acknowledged how noticeable Martinez’s absence would be for both the team and its fans.
“It will be kind of weird without Buck here,” Schneider said in his pre-game media availability, referring to retired Sportsnet colour commentator Buck Martinez. “I want to give him a shoutout and hope he’s doing well.”
Martinez had long been a familiar and beloved presence, and his decision to leave the broadcast booth this past off-season marked the end of an era.
His influence ran deep within the organization, making his absence around the batting cage, and his recognizable voice missing from broadcasts, something many will feel.
“Hopefully, we can have a ‘get up and get out of here’ ball at a good time today,” Schneider said in reference to one of Martinez’s signature calls.
Over the years, Martinez took part in nearly 40 Opening Days with the Blue Jays in various roles, from catcher to manager to broadcaster.
This spring training, leading into the franchise’s 50th season, has felt different without him—an occasion he likely would have embraced.
Joe Siddall has a message for fans about replacing Buck
With Martinez stepping away, the broadcast booth now makes room for Joe Siddall, widely seen as his natural successor.
Siddall will take his place alongside play-by-play announcer Dan Shulman.
Before Friday’s game, Siddall also reflected on Martinez’s absence while speaking with Longley.
“As I tell everyone, I’m not here to replace Buck,” said Siddall, who will be an ideal successor to a broadcaster who was influential on his own career. “Nobody can replace Buck.”
After serving as the primary backup in recent seasons, Siddall is expected to call between 125 and 130 games this year.
The remaining broadcasts will be handled by fellow former Blue Jays catcher Caleb Joseph.
Martinez will be inducted into the club's new Hall of Excellence during an Aug. 29 unveiling ceremony at Rogers Centre.
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| POLL | ||
MARS 28|163 ANSWERS Blue Jays manager John Schneider, Joe Siddall give shoutout to retired Sportsnet broadcaster Buck Martinez Do you think Buck Martinez will be back with the Toronto Blue Jays in some capacity or is this it for him? | ||
| Yes | 36 | 22.1 % |
| No , he is done | 127 | 77.9 % |
| List of polls | ||