Former Toronto Blue Jays catcher enters fourth decade with organization

The legendary broadcaster for the Toronto Blue Jays recently announced his retirement, ending his tenure with the team that stretches back to the 1980's and included runs as catcher, broadcaster, and manager.

Now that Buck has departed, many might ask who is longest-tenured person associated with the Blue Jays.

Outside of Chairman Emeritus Paul Beeston, the answer might be another former catcher: Sal Butera.

Like Martinez, Butera finished up his major league career with the Jays in the 80s, playing a single season with the team before retiring in 1988.

However, his real impact came when he rejoined the organization in 1996.

Butera has filled many roles for the Blue Jays. He started out as a minor league coach and roving catching instructor.

In 2014, he was the video replay coordinator for the major league club. The following year, he became a major league scout, a role which he has been in ever since.

He also served a single season as bullpen coach and was also a special assistant to the General Manager.

Butera isn't the only member of his family to find big league success, nor is the only of his family to work for Canada's team.

His son Drew Butera played for five teams over a 12-year career winning a World Series with the Kansas City Royals in 2015.

Earlier this year, the Blue Jays hired the younger Butera to serve as a major league coach for the 2026 season.

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