Retired Blue Jays broadcaster Buck Martinez named to new Hall of Excellence

Longtime Toronto Blue Jays broadcaster Buck Martinez will be inducted into the club's new Hall of Excellence during an Aug. 29 unveiling ceremony at Rogers Centre.

Martinez, who retired earlier this year after calling more than 4,000 games, spent nearly four decades with the organization as a player, manager and broadcaster.

"Buck has been one of the defining voices of the Blue Jays, and his passion, integrity, and unwavering commitment to this organization embody everything the Hall of Excellence represents," Blue Jays president and CEO Mark Shapiro said in a statement.

The Hall of Excellence, part of the Jays' 50th season celebrations, will open on the 100 Level concourse behind right field.

The exhibit will honour players, coaches, builders and broadcasters who shaped the franchise, and will include memorabilia tied to key moments in team history.

All 11 members currently on the team's Level of Excellence will be included — Jose Bautista, Paul Beeston, George Bell, Joe Carter, Tom Cheek, Carlos Delgado, Tony Fernandez, Cito Gaston, Pat Gillick, Roy Halladay and Dave Stieb.

More inductees will be added over the next five seasons through fan voting.

The Blue Jays will face the Seattle Mariners on Aug. 29, with Martinez to be honoured in a pre-game ceremony. The first 15,000 fans in attendance will receive a Buck Martinez bobblehead.

Blue Jays right-handed starter Trey Yesavage will start the regular season on the injured list.

The 22-year-old is dealing with a right shoulder impingement, manager John Schneider said.

"It's something that he reported to camp with and obviously led to his slow buildup as well," he told reporters at the team's spring training complex. "Right now [he's] feeling good. He's in a better