Health setback extends Martinez's absence from Sportsnet's Blue Jays broadcasts
Broadcaster, 76, most recently called Toronto game on May 28 in Texas, but took all of June off
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The last thing Buck Martinez wants is for Blue Jays fans and his fellow Sportsnet broadcasters to be fussed over and have the story be about him.
But when his lengthy absence from the play-by-play broadcast booth was extended on Monday night for what he’s describing as a “little health setback,” an update to fans was delivered in the top of the second inning of the Blue Jays-New York Yankees contest at the Rogers Centre.
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“Hey Blue Jays fans, I was planning to be back in the booth tonight after some scheduled time off, but I recently had a little health setback,” Martinez’s statement on the broadcast said. “While I’m feeling pretty good, I’m going to take some extra time off out of an abundance of caution.
“I hope to see you at the ballpark soon. As always, thanks for your love and support!”
The 76-year-old most recently called a game on May 28 in Texas, but took all of June off — much of it scheduled, as he told the Toronto Sun in early June.
Martinez’s reduced workload in recent seasons — down to 100 games — is designed to be lighter in the middle of the season, while loading up on games near the start and end when interest peaks — especially if a playoff push is involved.
He told the Toronto Sun at the time that his plan was to return for the big four-game series against the Yankees, including Tuesday’s much-celebrate Canada Day game. That changed in recent weeks as Martinez has had to address medical issues.
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Martinez missed more than three months in the booth in 2022, when he was diagnosed with cancer but returned during the season after successful treatment.
In the absence of the popular Sportsnet personality, Joe Siddall picked up added games in June and was alongside play-by-play man Dan Shulman for Monday’s much-anticipated Yankees contest.
“I want everybody out there to know that Buck really feels the love from everybody in Blue Jays Nation,” Shulman said on Monday’s broadcast after reading Martinez’s statement. “He could not be more appreciative and, Buck, we are all thing of you. We know you’re watching every single pitch.
“To everybody, thank you for your concern and we can’t wait to have Buck back in the booth with us again soon.”
Blue Jays fans young and old feel the same way. As for Martinez himself, he’s as tough as they come and has every intention of returning to the airwaves as soon as he can.
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