Buck Martinez facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Buck Martinez
Martinez in 2009
Catcher / Manager
Born: (1948-11-07) November 7, 1948 (age 76) Redding, California, U.S.
Batted: Right Threw: Right
debut
June 18, 1969, for the Kansas City Royals
Last appearance
October 3, 1986, for the Toronto Blue Jays
MLB statistics
Batting average	.225
Home runs	58
Runs batted in	321
Managerial record	100–115
Winning %	.465
Teams
As player Kansas City Royals (1969–1971, 1973–1977) Milwaukee Brewers (1978–1980) Toronto Blue Jays (1981–1986) As manager Toronto Blue Jays (2001–2002)

John Albert "Buck" Martinez, born on November 7, 1948, is an American former professional baseball player and manager. He played as a catcher for 17 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played for the Kansas City Royals, Milwaukee Brewers, and Toronto Blue Jays. After his playing days, Buck became a well-known baseball broadcaster. He also managed the Toronto Blue Jays and Team USA in the first World Baseball Classic. Today, he is a television commentator for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Playing Baseball

Buck Martinez went to several colleges before starting his baseball career. He was first signed by the Philadelphia Phillies. Then, the Houston Astros picked him in a special draft in 1968. Later that year, he was traded to the Kansas City Royals.

First MLB Game

Buck made his first Major League Baseball appearance on June 18, 1969. He came into the game as a pinch-hitter for the Royals. He hit a fly ball for the last out of the game. That season, he played in 72 games. He hit .229 with four home runs and 23 RBI.

Developing as a Player

For several years, Buck was known more for his defense than his hitting. He never played more than 95 games in a season with the Royals. In the 1976 American League Championship Series, he played well, hitting .333 with 4 RBI in five games.

A Pitching Moment

In 1977, Buck was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers. On August 29, 1979, something unusual happened. In a game where the Brewers were losing badly, Buck, who was a catcher, came in to pitch! He was the sixth pitcher for his team that day. Even more surprisingly, when it was his turn to bat, he hit a single that brought in a run. This was his only time pitching in a Major League game.

Time with the Blue Jays

In 1981, Buck was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays. This is where he became most famous. He hit 10 home runs in both 1982 and 1983. He was also known as a very strong defensive catcher.

A Tough Injury

Buck's career took a difficult turn on July 9, 1985. He broke his leg and badly dislocated his ankle. This happened in a collision at home plate with Phil Bradley of the Seattle Mariners. Even with his serious injury, Buck tried to throw out another runner. The throw went wild, but Buck still managed to catch the return throw from George Bell. While lying on the ground with a broken leg, he tagged out the runner. This amazing play completed a double play.

After his injury, the Blue Jays released Buck in 1986. He wanted to keep playing baseball. But his wife convinced him to accept an offer from the Blue Jays. They wanted him to join their television broadcast team.

Broadcasting Career

Martinez in 2014

After he stopped playing in 1986, Buck Martinez started his new career. He became a color analyst for the Toronto Blue Jays games in 1987. A color analyst helps explain the game and gives opinions.

Working for ESPN

Buck also worked for TSN and ESPN. He even won a Sports Emmy Award for his work on an ESPN broadcast. This was for a special game where Cal Ripken Jr. played his 2,131st game in a row. He also helped with the Triple Play Baseball video game series.

Other Broadcast Roles

From 2003 to 2009, Buck was a commentator for the Baltimore Orioles television broadcasts. He also worked for TBS, covering Sunday afternoon games and postseason games.

Return to the Blue Jays

In 2010, Buck returned to the Blue Jays' broadcast team. This time, he became a play-by-play announcer for Sportsnet. He describes the action as it happens. He often works with former Blue Jay Pat Tabler. Since 2016, he shares duties as both a play-by-play announcer and a color analyst. In 2014, he signed a five-year deal to stay with the Blue Jays.

From 2016 to 2020, Buck also helped broadcast the World Series for MLB International.

Health Update

On April 17, 2022, Buck announced he would take a break. He needed to get treatment for cancer. He finished his treatment and returned to Sportsnet on July 26, 2022.

Managerial Career

In 2000, Buck Martinez was hired to manage the Toronto Blue Jays. People thought his energetic style would be good for the team's young players. The team started well, but then struggled. They finished the 2001 season with 80 wins and 82 losses.

Leaving the Blue Jays

Buck was fired as manager 53 games into the 2002 season. At that time, the team had won 20 games and lost 33. He was replaced by Carlos Tosca.

Managing Team USA

In 2006, Buck was chosen to manage Team USA. This was for the very first World Baseball Classic. He led the American team, which had many superstar players, to the second round of the tournament.

Managerial Record

Personal Life

Buck Martinez is married to Arlene. They have one son named Casey. Casey was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2000. Buck and Arlene live in New Port Richey, Florida.

Buck has written three books about baseball:

• From Worst To First: The Toronto Blue Jays in 1985 (published in 1985)
• The Last Out: The Toronto Blue Jays In 1986 (published in 1986)
• Change Up: How to Make the Great Game of Baseball Even Better (published in 2016)

Buck Martinez is a member of the Karuk Tribe from northern California. His mother, Shirley, grew up in Happy Camp, California, which is where the Karuk Tribe is based.