Back in late May, the Blue Jays were treading water with a modest 27-28 record. Their postseason hopes were uncertain, and their rhythm was elusive. Now, fast forward to today, and the momentum has shifted. They have surged to the top of the AL East, playing some of the best baseball in the league, rekindling hope and excitement across the fanbase. But wait, that’s not the only comeback story. High above the diamond, another quiet triumph has taken place.
Buck Martinez, the heart and soul of Blue Jays broadcasting, has made his own return. This time from a far tougher opponent than any on the field: cancer. As the team clawed its way back into contention, Martinez was locked in a battle of his own, one that demanded every ounce of strength, resilience, and heart. Now back behind the mic, sounding as sharp and spirited as ever, he stands as a powerful symbol of perseverance.
In many ways, the Blue Jays’ resurgence and Martinez’s return feel inextricably linked. Two parallel stories of grit, determination, and unwavering love for the game.
“I didn’t know if I was getting back,” Martinez admitted after re-entering the Blue Jays booth in the Dodger Stadium. “That was a big thing. When I first found out about it, I was pretty grumpy. But my wife has been phenomenal. She never let me feel sorry for myself. She always pointed to the children we saw in the hospital in Houston and said You don’t have it so bad. She’s a rock,” he added.
February 20, 2023, DUNEDIN, FL, UNITED STATES: Toronto Blue Jays television analyst Buck Martinez watches a bull pen pitching session during baseball spring training in Dunedin, Fla., Monday, Feb. 20, 2023. Canada News – February 20, 2023 – ZUMAc35_ 20230220_zaf_c35_018 Copyright: xNathanxDenettex
For the unversed, Martinez has been part of the Blue Jays family since way back in 1981. He spent six seasons as the team’s catcher, playing in 454 games from ’81 to ’86. After hanging up his gear, he transitioned into broadcasting in 1987, covering the Jays on TSN throughout the 90s. Then, at the turn of the century, he took on a new challenge, managing the Blue Jays from 2001 to 2002.
However, in 2003, he returned to broadcasting, working with different teams before making his way back to the Blue Jays booth in 2010. Since then, the Blue Jays fans are familiar with Martinez’s powerful voice, which took a sudden turn in May when he suffered a cancer relapse. His final sign-off, before starting his treatment, came on May 28, right after the Blue Jays shut out Texas 2-0.
“Dan (Shulman), Joe (Siddall), and Caleb (Joseph) did a great job picking up the slack and going to bat for me,” Martinez said. “And (senior Sportsnet executives Rob Corte and Dave Tredgett) have been incredibly supportive. They told me to take as much time as I need. The only thing that matters is getting healthy and recovering.”
With the support of his family, and a fierce determination to return to the game he loves, Martinez faced his toughest opponent yet and emerged victorious. He is not shy of crediting his wife for standing alongside him, rock-solid. Moreover, the support from the Sportsnet colleagues and management was also key to his return journey. Now, he’s back, undeterred, unshaken, and ready to lend his voice once again, maybe this time calling a Blue Jays run to glory.
But did you know this was not the first time Martinez battled it out against cancer?
The Blue Jays’ broadcaster is no new to facing the uphill battle
Back in 2022, Martinez revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer and would be stepping away to start treatment. But even then, he handled the news with his trademark courage and grit. He told fans he was taking a break for just “a little while.” That tells you everything you need to know about Buck’s mindset.
And of course, he did come back. In true Martinez fashion, it took him just four months to return to the Blue Jays’ broadcast booth. What a return it was!
Who could forget that emotional moment at Rogers Centre? Between innings, the Jays paused the game to pay tribute. The bullpen emptied, the dugout cleared, and players formed an impromptu receiving line by home plate, all tipping their caps toward the 300 level, where Martinez was. His image filled the big screen, hand over heart, saluting the fans as they cheered him on. It was a moment of pure heart.
Now, after another tough battle, Martinez is back, doing what he loves. In a season full of storylines, his might be the most inspiring of all.
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