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.
Longtime Blue Jays broadcaster Buck Martinez announces retirement
"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.
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.
