Blue Jays unveil Hall of Excellence

The Toronto Blue Jays officially opened their new Hall of Fame at Rogers Centre on Saturday, with legend Buck Martinez becoming the newest inductee. Photo: Toronto Blue Jays/Facebook

August 29, 2026

Official Toronto Blue Jays News Release

Blue Jays baseball has been woven into the fabric of Canadian sports for 50 seasons, creating unforgettable moments that have inspired generations of fans across the country. Today, the Toronto Blue Jays celebrate the club’s rich legacy and honour the players and visionaries whose contributions helped define the franchise with the unveiling of the Hall of Excellence.

Located on the 100 Level concourse behind right field, the Hall of Excellence is an immersive display that showcases memorabilia of the monumental achievements from players, managers, builders, and broadcasters. Building on the legacy of the original Level of Excellence, it provides a permanent home for fans to engage with the franchise’s history and learn more about its iconic figures. All Level of Excellence members are included in the Hall of Excellence: George Bell (1996), Dave Stieb (1996), Joe Carter (1999), Cito Gaston (1999), Tony Fernandez (2001), Pat Gillick (2002), Tom Cheek (2004), Paul Beeston (2008), Carlos Delgado (2013), Roy Halladay (2018), José Bautista (2023), plus this year’s inductee, Buck Martinez (2026).

The Hall of Excellence is divided into two categories: 1) Players & Managers, showcased in custom lockers, and 2) Builders & Broadcasters, housed in a special display. Each area includes unique artifacts, memorabilia, videos, images, and information recognizing their significant contributions and lasting impact on the franchise. There are more than 100 historical artifacts throughout the Hall of Excellence.

“The Hall of Excellence brings fans closer to the people who helped shape Blue Jays history, honouring the talent, vision, and dedication behind unforgettable moments that continue to inspire generations of fans. Through the transformation of Rogers Centre, we’ve reimagined the stadium as a ballpark that celebrates not only the game on the field, but also the franchise’s rich history. Alongside the historical spaces woven throughout the ballpark, the Hall of Excellence gives fans a place to relive iconic moments and connect with the legacy of the Blue Jays,” said Mark Shapiro, president & CEO, Toronto Blue Jays. “To millions of fans, Buck was the legendary voice of the franchise, and through his storytelling, expertise, passion, and generosity, he helped grow the game and strengthen the communities around us. Buck is a truly deserving choice as the inaugural inductee into the new Hall of Excellence.”

Martinez shared his love of the game with generations of Blue Jays fans across Canada for nearly 40 years. As a player, manager, and broadcaster, he proudly wore the maple leaf, becoming both a fan favourite and one of baseball’s most trusted and respected voices. Martinez was recognized in a pregame ceremony earlier today, featuring the unveiling of his place in the Builders & Broadcasters section in the Hall of Excellence.

In recognition of Martinez’s extensive community impact, the Blue Jays have announced the Buck Martinez Scholarship for Sport Media for a student in Toronto Metropolitan University’s Sport Media program who demonstrates a passion for sport, storytelling, and community engagement while facing financial barriers. The club also will establish the Buck Martinez Heart of the Game Award, presented to a volunteer in Jays Care Foundation’s Challenger Baseball program who exemplifies the sportsmanship, character, leadership, and resilience that define Martinez’s legacy. In recognition of Martinez’s extraordinary career, fans in attendance today received a Buck Martinez Legacy bobblehead (image here) featuring Martinez as a catcher, manager, and broadcaster – a tribute to his remarkable and multifaceted career.

“My induction into the Toronto Blue Jays Hall of Excellence is a very humbling and gratifying honour. Toronto and the entire country of Canada have welcomed me and my family as their own over all these years. I never played, managed, or broadcast with awards or recognition as a goal. I simply loved my job!” said Martinez. “To the Blue Jays fans across this great country, thank you for all these years of support. I will forever remember all the great moments we have shared along the way. The Toronto Blue Jays, TSN, and Sportsnet have been a huge part of my life and allowed me to enjoy so many wonderful years in Canada. This day will be an everlasting memory!”

The Hall of Excellence will continue to expand with additional Blue Jays legends. Fans are invited to vote online or at voting stations in the Hall of Excellence to help select future inductees.

The Level of Excellence will remain on the fascia within the ballpark bowl through the remainder of the season. In 2027, it will be relocated within the bowl, where the names will remain visible to fans.

Today’s unveiling of the Hall of Excellence is part of a season-long celebration of the club’s 50th season in 2026, which has included a commemorative retro uniform patch, historical installations throughout the ballpark, exclusive merchandise featuring past and present logos, 78 theme days and giveaways, and a statue honouring back-to-back World Series championships, with more to come through the end of the season.