Toronto Blue Jays legend Buck Martinez shares news that he's cancer-free

The Toronto Blue Jays saw a familiar face down in Tampa this week, and he brought some fantastic news with him.

Former Blue Jays player, manager, and beloved broadcaster Buck Martinez attended two of the team's three games in Tampa Bay and shared a very special update fans across the country will be happy to hear.

In an interview with Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun, Martinez shared from his Florida home that he's officially cancer-free.

"I'm cancer-free now, everything's good," Martinez told the outlet.

"I'm getting better all the time. I'm in the gym every day. I'm still not up to playing golf yet, but that's coming."

Former Blue Jays broadcaster Buck Martinez chatting with a young Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Mitch Stringer/Imagn Images)

Martinez announced he was retiring from the Blue Jays' play-by-play announcer role for Sportsnet in February 2026 after being in the position for 16 seasons.

Last season, the 77-year-old had to step away from the broadcast booth for three months while undergoing treatment for lung cancer. He had also taken a leave of absence four years earlier after being diagnosed with head and neck cancer in 2022.

With the news, Martinez told the Toronto Sun he has been cleared to travel from Florida to the Rogers Centre on Aug. 29 for a special ceremony honouring his legendary career.

Blue Jays Royalty 🐐

A legend stopped by to visit the boys! pic.twitter.com/mjub3JoVUA

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 18, 2026

Martinez will become the inaugural inductee into the Blue Jays' newly renamed Hall of Excellence.

He'll reportedly be joined at the ceremony by his wife, Arlene, as well as several former Blue Jays teammates, and now fellow Hall of Excellence members, Dave Stieb and George Bell.

The Blue Jays will also celebrate his induction with a special bobblehead paying tribute to all three chapters of Martinez's career, with the first 15,000 fans through the gates receiving the legacy collectible.