Toronto Blue Jays broadcaster Buck Martinez has been named a finalist for the Curt Flood Award, which is given to “a former player, living or deceased, who in the image of Flood demonstrated a selfless, longtime devotion to the Players Association and advancement of Players’ rights.”
Martinez was diagnosed with cancer in mid-April and took a break from broadcasting while receiving treatment, but returned to the booth on July 26.
“It’s great to be back,” Martinez said that evening, before thanking his Sportsnet colleagues for their support during his fight against cancer.
“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 all of your good words helped me get through this tough time and they helped me a lot. I heard from a lot of people too dealing with their own health issues. I hope my journey has helped you handle those face on and fight the good fight.”
The 73-year-old played 17 seasons in the majors as a catcher, including the final six of his career with the Blue Jays from 1981-86. After retirement, he began working as a broadcaster, with a brief stint as manager for the Blue Jays for two years in 2000 and 2001.
Martinez has been with Sportsnet calling Blue Jays games since 2010.
Flood, a former All-Star centre fielder, is known for his court challenge in 1970 that paved the way for players’ free agency rights in professional team sports.
The award, which is part of the MLBPA’s annual Players Choice Awards, was created in 2020 as a recognition of the 50th anniversary of his monumental U.S. Supreme Court case.