Buck Martinez upset Sportsnet let Pat Tabler go
Buck Martinez is preparing to return to the Toronto Blue Jays’ broadcast booth next season for his 36th year on the call, though he will be missing his regular partner.
Pat Tabler, who has been working with Martinez on television broadcasts from 2010, was let go by Rogers Sportsnet earlier this month, ending the duo’s partnership after 12 seasons. The end of an era was reached for the play-by-play team.
A appearance on the Bob McCown podcast on Thursday, Martinez provided his thoughts on the matter, revealing he and Tabler were “blindsided” by the announcement and “didn’t see it coming.” The 74-year-old added that both their contracts expired after last season.
“It’s very, very sad,” Martinez continued. “It kind of reflects the world today where experience isn’t valued and consistency isn’t valued and loyalty isn’t valued. It was a bittersweet call to hear that Pat wasn’t renewed for next years.
“Pat may have been the best partner I’ve ever had. Worked hard. Prepared. Humble. Wanted to bring the best to the broadcast every night.”
Sportsnet will not carry all three announcers next seasons, as Dan Shulman has taken on a greater role and will work all 81 home games. It’s unclear as to how many games Martinez will call, though.
Blue Jays former manager, who started his broadcasting career in 1987 with the franchise, took a leave in April to undergo treatment for cancer. He made his triumphant comeback on July 26, however.
It is believed that Joe Siddall, the studio analyst, could step in to fill the gap when necessary. He would also be able to resume the role of game analyst that he held from 2014-17 on the radio side. Since 2018, he has been working with Blue Jays Central host Jamie Campbell.
Tabler released a statement as part of Sportnet’s official announcement on Dec. 2, thanking everyone he came across during his 32 years in the business – which started as a studio analyst with TSN in 1993 – and all the fans who followed him along the way.
Tabler released a statement through Sportsnet, saying that “For the past 32 years, first as an player for the Blue Jays, then as a broadcaster and finally as a broadcaster it has been my honor to serve you.” “I hope I represented you with dignity and class.
“It was an amazing run, but all good things must come to an end.”
Tabler’s 12-year MLB career ended with the Blue Jays. He helped Toronto win the 1992 World Series.
More on Sports