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The longtime Blue Jay Buck Martinez announced he will step away from the broadcast booth amidst a cancer diagnosis. Martinez has been associated with the Blue Jays for over 40 years.

Martinez played 454 games with the Jays as a catcher in the early to late 1980’s. Next, Martinez managed Toronto in 2001 but eventually was released from his duties in his second season after a disappointing season. After his retirement in 1986 Martinez went straight into broadcasting becoming the color commentator for TSN in 1987. Martinez also managed the United States team in the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006. Dan Shulman and Buck Martinez have been the premier broadcast duo for the Blue Jays since 2016.

Pat Tabler will take over Martinez’s role in the meantime as Martinez hopes to return later this season.