Categories: MLB

After cancer diagnosis, Buck Martinez stepping away from Blue Jays’ booth

Longtime Toronto Blue Jays broadcaster Buck Martinez has been diagnosed with cancer and is taking time off from his job for treatment, he announced Sunday.

A former major league catcher, including six seasons (1981-86) with the Blue Jays, Martinez has been part of the team’s broadcast booth off and on since 1987, and full-time since 2010.

He also managed the Blue Jays to a 110-115 record in the 2001-02 seasons.

“I’ve been so honoured and privileged to have the support of Blue Jays fans, colleagues, staff and players since I arrived here in 1981, and that continued support through this next challenge means the world to me,” the 73-year-old wrote in a statement posted to Twitter by Sportsnet, his employer.

“I’m grateful for a tremendous medical team, who has given me great optimism that I will come through this with flying colours. I hope to rejoin my Sportsnet teammates for the stretch run later this season, but in the meantime I will be watching from the sidelines as I fight the good fight.”

In addition to the Blue Jays, Martinez played for the Kansas City Royals and Milwaukee Brewers from 1969-86. He hit .225 with 58 home runs and 321 RBIs in 1,049 games.

–Field Level Media

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