Blue Jays Welcome Back Buck Martinez With Seventh-Straight Win

On Tuesday evening, the Toronto Blue Jays welcomed back long-time player-turned broadcaster Buck Martinez from the injured reserve.

His return to the Sportsnet microphone from the media gondola at Rogers Centre was extra special, as it came on the heels of a courageous three-month battle with cancer.

Having stepped aside from his duties as the play-by-play and colour colour commentator for Rogers Sportsnet in Canada due to his spring diagnosis in April, the 73-year-old Martinez returned to Rogers Centre for the first time in what he described as an eternity earlier this week.

“It’s great to be back,” Martinez said at the top of the Sportsnet broadcast on Tuesday evening. “The fans have been tremendous. I’ve heard from fans all across North America. I want to thank you all for the signs, the prayers. There’s no doubt that all of your good words helped me get through this tough time. And I heard from a lot of people, too, that have been dealing with their own health issues and I hope my journey has helped you handle those face on and fight the good fight.”

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Officially, Martinez spent six years playing for the Blue Jays in the 1980s, while transitioning over to colour commentary in 1987. He actually managed the club in 2001 and 2002 before getting back behind the mic where he has rightfully sat over the better part of the 2000s.

“I wouldn’t be sitting here tonight without the wonderful support of my family,” he added. “My son Casey and his family and especially my wife of 47 years, Arlene. From the moment we heard I had cancer, she simply said ‘we got this’ and she was right – as she has been for 47 years.”

Fans at Rogers Center were treated to a Martinez tribute on the big screen, to which players from both the Jays and the visiting St. Louis Cardinals gave the long-time broadcaster a standing ovation. Even Jays relievers came onto the field from the dugout to tip their caps to the cancer surviver.

We missed you, Buck! 🥹 pic.twitter.com/RdoJ7eZuCE

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 26, 2022

“He’s part of the team,” outfielder Teoscar Hernandez said of Martinez. “He’s been with the winning teams, the bad teams, the rebuild, and now that we have a pretty good team he’s still here. He’s the one who gives the joy in every single game that he’s up there broadcasting.”

But it wasn’t just the fans and players clapping either, as Martinez clapped right back to the fans as a way of showing his appreciate for their support.

“He just goes hand-in-hand with the whole organization,” interim manager John Schneider said. “Everyone knows his voice with us. (I’m) happy that he’s healthy and back to doing what he’s great at, really fired up that he’s back.”

OMG 🥺🥺🥺 👏 👏 👏 look what happens when #BuckMartinez leaves Rogers Centre after last nights @BlueJays game!! Welcome back Buck!! pic.twitter.com/BDzoU9WWwX

— Maurie Sherman (@DamnitMaurie) July 27, 2022

Heading into Tuesday’s game, Toronto had a six-game winning streak, to which the team was hoping to build upon as it opened the mini two-game series with the Cardinals. Thanks to a George Springer grand slam on a full-count, that was possible, as the team extended its winning ways to seven games with the 10-3 victory.

“I just knew it was at least going to split the outfielders,” Springer said post-game. “It’s exciting. It’s a big spot right there, to put us up by some more runs. That’s the stuff that you enjoy playing the game for. It’s a huge moment.”

Toronto is now 8-1 under Schneider after Charlie Montoyo was relieved on his duties back on July 13. His .889 winning percentage is the highest ever in the MLB among managers with over five games of experience.

John Schneider of the @BlueJays is the first manager to have a run differential of +50 or better over his first 9 career games as an MLB manager since Jim Price did so for the New York Gothams in 1884 (+63).

— Stats By STATS (@StatsBySTATS) July 27, 2022

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Alejandro Kirk also homered for the Jays, who have now dialled up a whopping 68 runs over their seven-game winning streak.

Starter Jose Berrios lasted 5 and two-third innings, giving up three runs, seven hits and two walks, while striking out seven batters. Tim Mayza, David Phelps, Jeremy Beasley and Max Castillo combined to keep the remainder of Cardinals players off the scoresheet in their efforts from the sixth inning and on.

Also on tap for the Rogers Centre on Tuesday was the eighth Loonie Dog night of the season, to which an astounding 40K hotdogs were eaten. Despite the high numbers, it was largely due to attendance figures. Fans averages just over one hot dog per attendee.

The Blue Jays hosted their eighth Loonie hot dog night yesterday. Fans consumed a season-high 40,602.

A running tally … pic.twitter.com/Xarw7nHPhY

— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) July 27, 2022

On Wednesday the team announced that team president and CEO Mark Shapiro would unveil renovation plans for the old SkyDome on Thursday afternoon. Details of the upgrades to Rogers Centre will be unveiled at a team press conference. Toronto concludes its two-game set with St. Louis on Wednesday evening.