Latest news with #BuckMartinez
National Post
01-07-2025
- Health
- National Post
Health setback extends Martinez's absence from Sportsnet's Blue Jays broadcasts
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. Article content 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. Article content Article content Article content Here is the statement from Buck Martinez. Wishing him all the best, and a healthy return. He's the man. — Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) June 30, 2025 Article content '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. Article content 'I hope to see you at the ballpark soon. As always, thanks for your love and support!' Article content 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. Article content 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. Article content 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. Article content Article content 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. Article content '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. Article content
Toronto Sun
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
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 Get the latest from Rob Longley straight to your inbox Toronto Blue Jays television analyst Buck Martinez watches a bullpen pitching session during baseball spring training in Dunedin, Fla., Monday, Feb. 20, 2023. Photo by Nathan Denette / THE CANADIAN PRESS 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. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account '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. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 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. RECOMMENDED VIDEO 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. Read More Toronto Maple Leafs World Toronto Maple Leafs World Toronto Maple Leafs
National Post
23-06-2025
- Sport
- National Post
Sportsnet's Joe Siddall shines as clear heir apparent to Buck Martinez on Blue Jays broadcasts
It was early days in his broadcasting career when Sportsnet's Joe Siddall was getting a cameo in the television booth and quickly learned how Buck Martinez, his partner that day, was much more than just a smooth voice and a revered Blue Jays personality. Article content And the lessons learned that day resonated to the point that it provided Siddall one of his biggest leaps forward in his own broadcasting career. Article content Article content 'Buck and I were taping an intro and 10 or 20 seconds in I butchered it and it was 'OK, Take 2,'' Siddall recalled of that day in the Rogers Centre TV booth where he was moved up from the radio booth as a fill-in for Pat Tabler. 'Then 20 seconds into the next one, I butchered that one as well and it was on to Take 3. Article content 'Finally, Buck just looked at me and said 'Put your (bleeping) paper down, look in that camera and pretend you're talking to your son about baseball.' Article content 'The light bulb went on and it just freed me up. It was early on but to this day I say it was a turning point for me.' Article content Siddall hasn't looked back since, developing into one of the most trusted and versatile voices on Sportsnet's Blue Jays telecasts. Article content Article content He also has emerged as the heir apparent to Martinez, whenever the day comes that Buck stops talking baseball for a Canada-wide TV audience. Article content To be clear, Martinez has no plans to go anywhere even though he has been absent for the past 22 games for what he described as regular time off in his reduced schedule. The 76-year-old is set to return to the Sportsnet airwaves next Monday when the New York Yankees visit the Rogers Centre for a four-game series. Article content For the third year now, Siddall has been the steady backup to Martinez after the latter trimmed his workload to 100 games a season. The resulting reconfiguration Siddall shuffling from the Blue Jays Central studio to the game broadcast booth for a near-even split of the 130 contracted games he works each season. Article content Article content The Windsor native and former catcher (like all Jays analysts, it seems) has quietly become an important voice to the team's coverage. His in-depth breakdowns — and honest, transparent criticism when warranted — shines through in his studio segments. And that insight has travelled nicely to the booth. Article content 'What I like about doing both is the variety,' Siddall said prior to a game in the Jays recently completed homestand. 'That mix is great. But what I love about the booth is that it's almost like you're back in the game again. You're going pitch to pitch, thinking along with the pitcher and catcher, what the infield is doing, how the outfield is playing. It's in the moment more. It's that little fix to make up for not playing any more.
National Post
09-06-2025
- Sport
- National Post
Sportsnet's Buck Martinez on Blue Jays' Bowden Francis: He can't make another start
Just because you haven't heard Buck Martinez on the air covering Blue Jays games over the past couple of weeks doesn't mean that the venerable voice of the team doesn't have some thoughts. Article content In fact, he has a few. Article content First things first: Martinez, who is taking some extended scheduled time off from his regular analyst's role on the Sportsnet broadcasts, will return for a home stand against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre starting on June 30. Article content In the interim, studio analysts Joe Siddall and Caleb Joseph will take turns filling the air alongside play-by-play voice Dan Shulman. Article content 'I'm taking some scheduled time off,' Martinez told the Toronto Sun on Monday. 'But I'll be back for that homestand (against the Yankees). And then I'll have a good chunk of July off for my 50th anniversary. My schedule is to do 100 games.' Article content And with that, the 76-year-old Martinez shifts the conversation to his favourite topic — the Jays — who were scheduled to begin a three-game series in St. Louis on Monday night, part of their current nine-game, 10-day trip. Article content Article content The long-time Jays broadcaster certainly is clear in what he thinks about the Toronto rotation minus Max Scherzer and the alarming struggles of Bowden Francis. Article content '(The Jays) are playing pretty good, but they can't start Bowden Francis another start,' Martinez said. 'It's the one thing that's causing them so many issues. The fourth and fifth spots (in the rotation) have been the issues all season long. Article content 'Unfortunately (Max) Scherzer can't pitch right now. It's just the way it is. Article content 'I'd be surprised if they start (Francis) again. He's just too inconsistent. It just highlights how difficult it is to be a long-term starter in the major leagues. It's the toughest position in baseball, to be a consistent starter. Article content 'Now hitters have made adjustments and he has to establish that he can throw on both sides of the plate.' Article content Martinez believes that if the struggles of Francis, combined with the bullpen days for the fifth spot in the rotation continue, the rest of the bullpen will wear down. Article content 'It's already cost them Yimi Garcia (who is on the injured list with a shoulder issue) and it's going to cost them someone else,' Martinez said. Article content The former catcher has been impressed with the Jays recent surge at the plate, which largely has been the reason they've gone on a 9-1 run and sit in a three-way tie for the top AL wild-card spot prior to Monday's action. Article content 'Everything has come together offensively,' Martinez said. 'They've cut down their strikeouts. They're more patient. And they're realizing one or two guys aren't going to carry the team. They're getting contributions from everywhere in the order.'
Toronto Sun
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Sportsnet's Buck Martinez on Blue Jays' Bowden Francis: He can't make another start
Sportsnet broadcaster says he will return to the booth at the end of June after taking regularly scheduled time off. Get the latest from Rob Longley straight to your inbox Toronto Blue Jays television analyst Buck Martinez watches a bullpen pitching session during spring training in 2023. The Canadian Press Just because you haven't heard Buck Martinez on the air covering Blue Jays games over the past couple of weeks doesn't mean that the venerable voice of the team doesn't have some thoughts. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account In fact, he has a few. First things first: Martinez, who is taking some extended scheduled time off from his regular analyst's role on the Sportsnet broadcasts, will return for a home stand against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre starting on June 30. In the interim, studio analysts Joe Siddall and Caleb Joseph will take turns filling the air alongside play-by-play voice Dan Shulman. 'I'm taking some scheduled time off,' Martinez told the Toronto Sun on Monday. 'But I'll be back for that homestand (against the Yankees). And then I'll have a good chunk of July off for my 50th anniversary. My schedule is to do 100 games.' And with that, the 76-year-old Martinez shifts the conversation to his favourite topic — the Jays — who were scheduled to begin a three-game series in St. Louis on Monday night, part of their current nine-game, 10-day trip. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The long-time Jays broadcaster certainly is clear in what he thinks about the Toronto rotation minus Max Scherzer and the alarming struggles of Bowden Francis. '(The Jays) are playing pretty good, but they can't start Bowden Francis another start,' Martinez said. 'It's the one thing that's causing them so many issues. The fourth and fifth spots (in the rotation) have been the issues all season long. 'Unfortunately (Max) Scherzer can't pitch right now. It's just the way it is. 'I'd be surprised if they start (Francis) again. He's just too inconsistent. It just highlights how difficult it is to be a long-term starter in the major leagues. It's the toughest position in baseball, to be a consistent starter. 'Now hitters have made adjustments and he has to establish that he can throw on both sides of the plate.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Martinez believes that if the struggles of Francis, combined with the bullpen days for the fifth spot in the rotation continue, the rest of the bullpen will wear down. 'It's already cost them Yimi Garcia (who is on the injured list with a shoulder issue) and it's going to cost them someone else,' Martinez said. The former catcher has been impressed with the Jays recent surge at the plate, which largely has been the reason they've gone on a 9-1 run and sit in a three-way tie for the top AL wild-card spot prior to Monday's action. 'Everything has come together offensively,' Martinez said. 'They've cut down their strikeouts. They're more patient. And they're realizing one or two guys aren't going to carry the team. They're getting contributions from everywhere in the order.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. As for his schedule, Martinez's reduced workload in recent years is designed to be lighter in the middle while focusing on the beginning and end of the season when interest peaks — especially if a playoff push is involved. His most recent game was at the end of the previous trip, a May 28 game in Texas. He'll also have an extended absence in July for a well-deserved cruise with his wife Arlene to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. FAIR OR FOUL Martinez isn't alone from the Sportsnet crew in terms of sharp commentary on the struggles of Francis. Following the previous start to Sunday's losing effort in Minnesota — in which he allowed four runs in just 3.1 innings — Francis pitched what appeared to be batting practice to the Phillies, who chased him from the game after blitzing the righty for seven runs in 1.2 innings. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Teams are sitting all over his stuff,' an animated studio analyst Caleb Joseph said following the Phillies game. 'They're not fooled one bit. Let me tell you this: You'd better find a way to locate or you're going to keep having outings like this. You don't get a million chances in this league.' On radio, Kevin Barker was equally incisive the following day. 'For me, it's an easy one,' Barker said on Sportsnet 590 of Francis, who has allowed an MLB-high 19 home runs.. 'Either he can pitch or he can't. Right now it's borderline (that he isn't) a big leaguer.' LINEUP SHUFFLE? Speaking of Barker, nice to see him and sidekick Jeff Blair getting some TV airtime in studio on the weekend alongside host Jamie Campbell. We've always been of the view that Barker, with his big personality and even bigger pull-no-punches opinions has been under-used by Sportsnet. It would make sense, then, that with Joseph and Siddall taking on more games in the absence of Martinez that we see more of Barker. Olympics Columnists Celebrity Olympics Canada
