Jacques Doucet, the longtime radio voice of the Montreal Expos, has died. He was 86.
What We Know: Doucet’s daughter, Martine, confirmed his death on social media. Born March 8, 1940, in Montreal, Doucet began as a sports journalist in 1959 at La Presse Canadienne. He covered the Expos’ 1969 debut for La Presse, then became the team’s full-time radio play-by-play voice in 1972. He held that role until the franchise relocated to Washington after the 2004 season.
What They Said: Marc Griffin, former Montreal Expos commentator (via The Canadian Press): “He was certainly a giant, and his loss is immense. His voice was part of our lives for generations. He’s the one who made me fall in love with baseball.”
Denis Casavant, TVA Sports commentator (via X): “My teacher and mentor left us today. Thank you, Jacques, for your generosity and kindness, and especially for the influence you had on my career as a play-by-play announcer. My condolences to his partner Corrie and the entire family.”
What Remains Unclear: No further details on Doucet’s health decline have been released beyond his 2024 disclosure of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Meanwhile, no memorial or tribute plans have been announced yet.
What It Means: Doucet’s death closes another chapter for Quebec’s baseball generation. His broadcasts, alongside partner Rodger Brulotte, shaped how a province followed a team that no longer exists. Brulotte died in March, and now Doucet’s passing leaves few original Expos voices behind. Consequently, tributes are likely to emphasize their shared legacy in French-language sports broadcasting.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.