The Catcher

Traded to Toronto in May 1981, Buck formed a reliable battery with Dave Stieb, twice hit 10 home runs and earned a reputation as one of the AL's toughest defensive catchers. Career fielding percentage: .984.

Buck in his playing days with the Blue Jays

July 9, 1985. Seattle Kingdome. Phil Bradley crashes into Buck at home, breaking his leg and dislocating his ankle. Sprawled in the dirt, Buck still throws to get Gorman Thomas. The throw goes wild — Thomas tries to score — and Buck, still on the ground, catches the relay from George Bell and tags him out. A 9-2-7-2 double play on a broken leg.

The broken-leg double play — July 9, 1985

The Skipper

Hired to manage after the 2000 season, Buck brought energy to a young roster. The team finished 80-82 in 2001. He was let go 53 games into 2002 — but the stint gave him a unique distinction: player, manager and broadcaster for the same franchise. He later managed Team USA at the inaugural 2006 World Baseball Classic.

Buck as Blue Jays manager alongside a young Roy Halladay

The Voice

When Buck was released after 1986, Paul Beeston offered him the broadcast booth. Buck said no. His wife Arlene told him to call back. She was right. Over four decades he called 4,000+ games on TSN, ESPN, Sportsnet and MLB International. He won a Sports Emmy. He called the Bautista bat flip, the Encarnación walk-off and every pitch of the 2025 World Series through Game 7.

Buck in the booth — where it all began

In April 2022, Buck was diagnosed with cancer and stepped away. Three months later he walked back into the booth to a standing ovation. On February 6, 2026 — two days after the Jays' 50th anniversary season was announced — he retired.

The voice of the Blue Jays — Rogers Centre

Put Him on the Level of Excellence

Where Buck belongs