The Toronto Blue Jays added former player, manager and broadcaster Buck Martinez to their Hall of Excellence before Saturday's game against the Seattle Mariners. Martinez, 77, announced his retirement as a Toronto Blue Jays broadcaster in February after calling over 4,000 games dating to 1987. A catcher for the Blue Jays from 1981 to 1986, he compiled a 17-year big league career that began with Kansas City in 1969 and included parts of three seasons with Milwaukee.

Martinez managed the Blue Jays in 2001 and part of 2002, leading the team to a 100-115 record, and also managed the United States at the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2022 and took leaves of absence for treatment in 2022 and again in May 2025, returning to call Toronto's run to Game 7 of the World Series. Martinez is the 12th inductee of the Blue Jays Hall of Excellence, joining fellow members Jose Bautista, Paul Beeston, George Bell, Joe Carter, Carlos Delgado, Cito Gaston, Pat Gillick, and Dave Stieb.

Fellow former teammate Garth Iorg and broadcast partner Pat Tabler also attended the ceremony. Launched to coincide with Toronto's 50th anniversary season, the Hall of Excellence opened on the lower level concourse behind the right field stands. Late players Tony Fernandez and Roy Halladay, and late broadcaster Tom Cheek are also among the inductees.

Before throwing the ceremonial first pitch to current manager John Schneider, Martinez delivered his signature call: "Swing and a drive! Get up ball, get outta here. I'm gone!".