CBC Lite Sections News • Canada • Toronto 'A swing and a drive' for Buck Martinez as Blue Jays induct him into Hall of Excellence this weekend Arrthy Thayaparan | CBC News | Posted: August 28, 2026 2:45 PM | Last Updated: August 28 Martinez said retirement has been a 'big transition' away from the scheduled life of professional baseball Image | Canadian Baseball Induction 20240615 Caption: Buck Martinez, former professional baseball catcher and Toronto Blue Jays commentator, is set to be inducted into the team's new Hall of Excellence on Saturday. (Nick Iwanyshyn/The Canadian Press) (BUTTON) Load image Open image in new tab The Blue Jays will be inducting longtime broadcaster Buck Martinez into the team's new Hall of Excellence on Saturday in a ceremony at Rogers Centre. Martinez, who retired earlier this year after calling more than 4,000 games, spent nearly four decades with the organization as a player, manager and broadcaster. "Something I never thought about, you never think about when you're playing and managing and broadcasting, but it's a great honour," Martinez told CBC Radio's Metro Morning on Friday. He thanked Jays fans over the years for welcoming him into their homes and making him feel a part of their families. From "a swing and a drive" and "get outta here ball," Martinez is known for his unique broadcasting style paired with that infamous American drawl. He said those lines "kind of evolved" when he returned to Toronto in 2010 as the play-by-play announcer and was inspired by his time in Milwaukee. WATCH | Martinez retired in February this year due to his health: Media Video | CBC News Toronto : Caption: After a career spanning more than four decades with the Toronto Blue Jays, Buck Martinez is retiring. Reaction is pouring in to honour the baseball legend. CBC's Dale Manucdoc has more on his legacy on the baseball diamond, and in the broadcast booth. Open full embed in new tab Loading external pages may require significantly more data usage than loading CBC Lite story pages. "The great Bob Uecker used to use that phrase and I just kind of morphed into it," he said, adding his time as a player also influenced his broadcasting style. "When we were players, if a guy hit a ball that was headed to the fence, we'd all say that together on the bench, 'get up, get up, get up, get out of here.' And that's kind of how that came about." Now as a spectator in the stands, Martinez said retirement has been a big transition. "I was involved in professional baseball since 1967, and this was the first time I didn't go to spring training. I didn't get involved with the team," he said. WATCH | Martinez spoke in 1985 about one of his most famous plays in Blue Jays history: Media Video | Archives : Caption: Buck Martinez recalls the moment a collision at home plate ended his 1985 season. Open full embed in new tab Loading external pages may require significantly more data usage than loading CBC Lite story pages. Martinez said he had intended to be a part of the Jays' 50th season celebrations as a broadcaster, but ultimately had to step away for his health after getting cancer for the second time in 2025 (he was first diagnosed in 2022). He happily confirmed that he is now cancer free and "doing great." The Hall of Excellence will be open on the 100 Level concourse behind right field with an exhibit honouring players, coaches, builders and broadcasters who shaped the franchise. All 11 members currently on the team's Level of Excellence will also be included — Jose Bautista, Paul Beeston, George Bell, Joe Carter, Tom Cheek, Carlos Delgado, Tony Fernandez, Cito Gaston, Pat Gillick, Roy Halladay and Dave Stieb. From 'exile' to icon: Martinez shares thoughts on Toronto Martinez was with the Kansas City Royals and Milwaukee Brewers before joining the Blue Jays in 1981. When he first came to Toronto, he said he thought he was being "exiled" and that his career was over. But seeing the way the team and country embraced baseball, he said he realized how special the city is. "Once you get here and understand what a great place it is to play in and how much the fans love the Blue Jays, it's a destination for sure." He said last year's World Series was one of the best he's seen with a "pinnacle" Game 7 and a team with great chemistry. * Retired Blue Jays broadcaster Buck Martinez named to new Hall of Excellence * Commentator, former Blue Jays catcher Buck Martinez announces retirement "I'll always have that lasting memory, that great Game 7 that we got to share," he said. Martinez said he never thought he'd see first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. struggle as much as he has during an overall rough season for the Jays. "But it's a reminder how difficult the game is, even for the best." 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