Particle.news
Download on the App Store
8 ARTICLES
·
10h ago

Blue Jays Induct Buck Martinez Into New Hall of Excellence

The ceremony spotlights Martinez’s decades-long impact on the franchise, marking the opening of the team’s Hall of Excellence during its 50th season.

Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro (far left) is joined by honourees George Bell, Dave Stieb, Joe Carter, Cito Gaston, Carlos Delgado, Jose Bautista, Paul Beeston and Pat Gillick at the team's new Hall of Excellence at Rogers Centre in Toronto on Aug. 29, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jon Blacker
Buck Martinez, former Toronto Blue Jays player, manager and broadcaster speaks to the crowd before being officially inducted into the baseball team's Level and Hall of Excellence in an on-field ceremony before the Jays take on the Seattle Mariners at Rogers Centre in Toronto on Saturday.
Former Blue Jays player Jose Bautista looks at his display during the opening of the team's new Hall of Excellence at Rogers Centre in Toronto on Aug. 29, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jon Blacker
Image

Overview

  • The Blue Jays formally added Buck Martinez to their Hall of Excellence before Saturday’s game with the Seattle Mariners, and he threw a ceremonial first pitch to manager John Schneider.
  • Martinez closed his brief remarks with his signature home-run call, saying “Swing and a drive!” as the team marked the new exhibit’s opening on the Rogers Centre concourse.
  • Martinez, 77, retired from broadcasting in February after calling more than 4,000 games for the Blue Jays dating to 1987 and had taken leaves for cancer treatment in 2022 and again in 2025.
  • The Hall of Excellence, unveiled on the club’s 50th-anniversary season, expands the previous Level of Excellence and lists Martinez as the 12th inductee alongside former players and executives.
  • Several past Blue Jays and Hall members joined Martinez on the field for the ceremony, highlighting the club’s effort to celebrate its history and keep long-time players and broadcasters connected to the team.