toronto blue jays clement martinez

Toronto Blue Jays' Ernie Clement honours Buck Martinez at All-Star Game

Buck Martinez is gone from Toronto Blue Jays broadcasts, but he's far from forgotten.

Martinez, 77, spent nearly 45 years with the Blue Jays organization, first as a player, later as a manager, and, of course, as a colour commentator. His work in the booth was what truly made him a legend throughout not only Toronto but all of Canada.

Martinez retired as the voice of the Blue Jays after the 2025 season, roughly four years after he was forced to step away from his job to undergo cancer treatment.

Though little has been said on the current health of Martinez, it's clear the Blue Jays clubhouse is thinking of him. At the MLB All-Star Game Tuesday in Philadelphia, Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement and first-base coach Mark Budzinski wrote Martinez's name on their placards during a Stand Up to Cancer segment.

It was fitting to have Clement hold this sign, as his story just to get to the All-Star Game was also quite emotional, albeit for a much different reason.

The 30-year-old was twice designated for assignment before latching on with the Blue Jays, where he has since turned into a major difference-maker. His skill was on full display on Tuesday night, as he robbed Andy Pages of what would have been a base hit in the bottom of the fifth.

 

As for the game itself, it was the AL All-Stars defeating the NL All-Stars by a 4-0 final. Clement was unable to get a hit in his two at bats, though his teammate in Dylan Cease dazzled, striking out three batters in the lone inning he pitched.

Clement, Cease, and the rest of the Blue Jays will be back in action on Friday in the first of a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox. Despite their disappointing 45-51 record, the playoffs remain very much in reach for the Jays, who sit just 2.5 games back of a wild-card position.

Lead photo by

MLB/YouTube


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