Buck Martinez is taking a step back from television. Sportsnet released a statement saying that the Blue Jays game on Sunday against Oakland would be the last time fans would see him on TV “for a little while” after he had been diagnosed with cancer.
Martinez is 73-years-old and is synonymous with the Toronto Blue Jays. He spent six of his 17 Major League seasons as the team’s catcher. He then managed the organization for a season and a half starting in 2001. He began his broadcast career in 1987 when the team’s games were on TSN and then joined the Sportsnet broadcast in 2010.
“I’m grateful for a tremendous medical team, who has given me great optimism that I will come through this with flying colors,” Buck Martinez said in a statement. “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.”
Sportsnet’s Jamie Campbell could not hide his emotions on air after receiving the news. Campbell himself is receiving treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
“Buck is like family to all of us here, as he actually may be to you based on how many times you hear his voice. So, this is very hard,” Campbell said.
In a statement from the team, CEO Mark Shapiro struck an optimistic tone. He said that he is looking forward to seeing Buck Martinez at the ballpark again soon and expects that the broadcaster will meet this challenge “with courage, determination, and his signature positivity.”
Neither the team, Martinez, or Sportsnet commented on specifics regarding the analyst’s cancer diagnosis.
