Legendary Blue Jays broadcaster Buck Martinez announces retirement from the booth

Summers in Toronto just won't be the same from this point forward. 77-year-old broadcasting legend Buck Martinez has announced his retirement from the broadcast booth.

Martinez has been involved with the Toronto Blue Jays franchise as a player, manager and broadcaster since 1981.

Legendary Blue Jays broadcaster Buck Martinez announces retirement from the booth

Martinez was traded to the Blue Jays in 1981, thinking it was going to be the end of his playing career. The veteran catcher got a second wind and wound up playing in 454 games over the next six years with the Blue Jays, producing a 3.5 bWAR with 35 home runs. One of his most memorable moments came on July 9, 1985 when he broke his leg and severely dislocated his ankle in a play at the plate in which he collided with the Seattle Mariners' Phil Bradley.

Bradley was out on the play and with Martinez hurt, he still tried to throw out Gorman Thomas who was running to third. The ball sailed into left field towards George Bell. Thomas then advanced towards home and so Bell threw the ball to the plate and Martinez somehow managed to grab a hold of the ball and while he was sprawled out on the ground, tagged Thomas before he crossed the plate, ending up in one of the wildest double plays in franchise history.

After his retirement from playing in 1986, he began his second career, working as a color analyst for Blue Jays broadcasts in 1987. That gig lasted until 2001, when he returned to the field, this time as the Manager of the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays went a combined 100-115 in a season and a half under Martinez before he was let go 53 games into the 2002 season. He then became a color commentator for the Baltimore Orioles tv broadcasts and was there from 2003-2009.

In 2010, he returned to the Blue Jays broadcasts, this time as the play-by-play announcer. He was the main play-by-play guy until Dan Schulman returned to Sportsnet and they shared duties for a little while, before Schulman became the full-time play-by-play voice and Martinez slide back into a color commentator role. Over the last few years, Martinez had to step away to undergo cancer treatments.

In a statement posted on various social media platforms today, Martinez said, "After the World Series, my wife Arlene and I had plenty of time to think about the past and look forward to our future. After many heartfelt conversations, we both decided it was time for me to step out of the booth and enjoy the years ahead."

Blue Jays President and CEO, Mark Shapiro, also released a statement saying, "Buck has been one of the most promienent figures in the history of the Toronto Blue Jays, dedicating decades to the game he loves and to this organization as a player, manager, and broadcaster. Buck has connected generations of fans with his passion, insight and unparalleled storytelling. His legacy extends far beyond the microphone, and he will always hold a special place in the hearts of Canadian baseball fans."

With the Blue Jays celebrating their 50th anniversary this season with tons of theme nights, and promotional giveaways as well as special tributes planned for some of the franchises biggest icons, it would only seem fitting to honor one of the longest serving broadcasters in team history as well.