Buck Martinez inducted into the Blue Jays Hall of Excellence

For years, the Blue Jays had the “Hall of Excellence” in their stadium. It served to honor the organization's greats.

But in light of the franchise's 50th anniversary, Blue Jays executives decided that the Hall of Excellence would replace the Level of Excellence moving forward. Those inducted will therefore be transferred to the Hall.

Blue Jays say fans will vote on future inductees.The 11 Level of Excellence honorees will be moved to the new Hall. They are Jose Bautista, Paul Beeston, George Bell, Joe Carter, Tom Cheek, Carlos Delgado, Tony Fernandez, Cito Gaston, Pat Gillick, Roy Halladay, and Dave Stieb. — Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) March 19, 2026

It's the same concept (in the sense that we're honoring important people), but from now on it will be at level 100 in right field.

Over the next five years, familiar faces will be added to the Hall of Excellence. And the first to be honored, starting this season, is none other than Buck Martinez.

Coming in August: A NEW Hall of Excellence – a display in the 100 Level RF Concourse. The newest inductee to the Hall: The one and only Buck Martinez pic.twitter.com/lhfajc3PEs — Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) March 19, 2026

On August 29 (during a 3 p.m. game on a Saturday against Seattle), Martinez will be honored and inducted into the Hall of Fame. Blue Jays fans in Toronto and his former teammates have been calling for him to receive this honor.

The first 15,000 fans to enter the stadium will receive a bobblehead paying tribute to his three roles with the club: catcher, broadcaster, and manager.

It's worth noting that the popular broadcaster announced he would not be returning to Sportsnet in 2026. He is stepping down (primarily due to health reasons) after decades of being the voice of the Blue Jays.

Seeing him honored by the Blue Jays is a good thing. And clearly, it's making just about everyone in Toronto happy.

I can't wait to see who will be the next to be inducted into the Hall of Excellence. The championship teams of the 1990s and the powerhouse teams from about a decade ago are likely to be represented.

Stay tuned for updates.

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