Buck was born on November 7, 1948, the child of John and Shirley Martinez in Redding, California. Both of his parents were military professionals in the past. Her father witnessed the attack on Pearl Harbor and her mother, a member of the Women’s Army Core, featured on the cover of Stars and Stripes. Because both of his parents served in the military as professionals in World War II, he had a disciplined upbringing.
Player career
Martinez studied at Elk Grove High School, Southwest Missouri State University, Sacramento State University, and Sacramento City College. He had been interested in competitive sports since his early days. Because of this, he established himself as one of the top baseball players in his school and eventually pursued his passion to become a recognized face in MLB.
Before being selected by the Houston Astros in the 1968 Rule 5 draft, he was first signed by the Philadelphia Phillies as an amateur free agent. Subsequently, the Astros sent him to the Kansas City Royals. In 1969, Martinez made his major league debut with the Royals, playing in 72 games.
However, Martinez earned a reputation as an attacking liability over the next few years. Until 1977, he never played more than 95 games with Kansas City. On December 8, 1977, during the Winter Meetings, he was traded twice. He was first sold to the St. Louis Cardinals for Al Hrabosky, then to the Milwaukee Brewers for George Frazier and Mark Littell.
On May 10, 1981, Martinez was sold to the Toronto Blue Jays after being slated for departure. His time in Toronto, where he hit 10 home runs twice, is what people remember him most often. He was also a respected defensive receiver during this time. He paid brilliantly and was one of the essential members of his team, but his career was affected by injury in 1985.
On July 9, 1985, Martinez collided with Phil Bradley of the Seattle Mariners at home plate at Kingdome, severely dislocating his ankle and breaking his leg.
He struggled with his fitness as he couldn’t recover to 100% health to show his magic on the field again. However, in 1986, Martinez tried to make a comeback with Toronto but gave up after just .181 batting in 81 games. This was the end of his baseball career; after that, he attempted other projects in his career to keep himself around baseball despite his inability to compete on the field.
Broadcasting career
After ending his playing career after the 1986 campaign, Martinez began his broadcasting career in 1987 as an analyst for Toronto Blue Jays games. He has been part of the team ever since and even had the opportunity to lead them for a season. Martinez announced he would be taking time off to receive cancer treatment on April 17, 2022. After completing therapy, Martinez returned to Sportsnet on July 26.
Buck Martinez as Coach
Martinez was named Toronto coach because a contract issue arose between the team and their then head coach. As always, he was energetic and full of positive energy, so the young Jays roster was thought to benefit from Martinez’s upbeat attitude. In the first two months of the season, Toronto exceeded expectations. The triumph, however, was fleeting as the team fought to the bitter end and finished with a poor 80-82 record.
Fifty-three games into the 2002 season, he was sacked with a 20-33 record. When he was fired, the Blue Jays had recently swept the Detroit Tigers and they were on a three-game winning streak. Martinez was chosen as the field manager for Team USA in the 2006 World Baseball Classic. He guided the star-studded USA team to the next round.
Some FAQs
Who is Buck Martinez’s wife?
Buck Martinez has been married to his wife, Arlene Martinez, since 1975. They also have a son together.
What is Arlene Martinez’s Net Worth in 2022?
Arlene Martinez net worth as of 2022 is $1 million. He is one of the highest paid sportscasters in MLB.
Where is Arlene Martinez’s family now?
Arlene Martinez lives with her family in New Port Richey, Florida.
