Sunday’s finale of the series between the Blue Jays and a visit to the Auckland Athletics will be the last game for Toronto television operator Buck Martinez “for a while” as he prepares to treat cancer.
The 73-year-old Sportsnet analyst announced his diagnosis in a statement Sunday morning.
“It has been such an honor and privilege for me to have the support of Blue Jays fans, colleagues, staff and players since I arrived here in 1981, and this continued support through this next challenge means the whole world to me,” she said.
“I am grateful for the great medical team, which gave me great optimism that I will go through this successfully.”
Martinez hopes to return to the stand later this season.
“Meanwhile,” said the former Blue Jays hunter, “I’ll watch from the sidelines as I fight the good fight.”
17-year playing career
Blue Jays President and CEO Mark Shapiro believes Martinez will oppose his attitude with “courage, determination and characteristic positivity”.
The veteran’s association with the Blue Jays dates back to ’81, when he began a five-year career as one of the team’s hunters. Martinez enjoyed a 17-year career in Major League Baseball as a player that included stops with the Kansas City Royals and Milwaukee Brewers.
He was elected manager of the Blue Jays in 2001, but was fired in the middle of his second season after setting a 100-115 record.
Blessed with a silky voice and a smooth delivery, Martinez first stepped behind the microphone in 1987 as a color commentator for the TSN Jays Games.
He also helped call games for ESPN, TBS and the Baltimore Orioles.
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