Toronto Blue Jays legend Buck Martinez shared great news, announcing he is cancer-free ahead of his Hall of Excellence induction ceremony.
Martinez, a former player, manager, and television broadcaster for the Blue Jays, will be back in Toronto on August 29, when he will be the first person enshrined in the new Hall of Excellence at Rogers Centre.
Ahead of his emotional return to Toronto, Martinez shared the incredible news that he is cancer-free.
Buck Martinez is Cancer-Free
Speaking to the Toronto Sun’s Rob Longley, Martinez confirmed that he is now cancer-free and feeling great.
“I’m cancer-free now, everything is good. I’m getting better all the time. I’m in the gym every day. I’m still not up to playing golf yet, but that’s coming,” Martinez said.
Martinez dealt with cancer, specifically squamous cell carcinoma, in 2022, which caused him to miss time in the commentary booth due to undergoing treatments.
He was then diagnosed with lung cancer in 2025, and he missed time in the booth before coming back later in the season and announcing the Blue Jays’ World Series playoff run.
Following the season, Martinez announced his retirement from announcing, leaving a void in the hearts of Blue Jays fans everywhere, as Martinez is one of the most beloved figures in Toronto sports history.
But on August 29, he will get a chance to see the fans again when he is inducted into the Hall of Excellence, and he says he can’t wait for the day to come.
“It will be special to be able to say thank you to the fans. The fans have treated me so well as a player, as a broadcaster, as a manager. And that will mean a lot, Martinez said.
“The people were a big part of (the love) Arlene (his wife) and I felt for Toronto. It will be great to share this with them.”
There will be many former Blue Jays players in attendance for Martinez’s Hall of Excellence ceremony, including legendary pitcher Dave Stieb and former AL MVP George Bell.
Buck Martinez Reminisces About Blue Jays World Series Run
Martinez also spoke to Longley about Toronto’s 2025 World Series run, which ultimately ended in sadness when the team lost Game 7 to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“I mean, I went there in 1981, and here I was, still here for one of the biggest moments in franchise history. To watch those kids grow up the way they did — Vladdy (Guerrero Jr.) and Bo (Bichette) — with so much hype around them, to grow up and experience that together was pretty darn special. It’s a great memory for me because I can always say my last game was Game 7 of arguably the best World Series ever played,” Martinez said.
While the Blue Jays came up short against the Dodgers, it was still an amazing World Series to watch, and one that Martinez knows he was fortunate enough to commentate, especially given all of the health issues that he has dealt with in recent seasons. Thankfully, he’s completely cancer-free now.
Blue Jays Legend Buck Martinez Announces He is Cancer-Free