Toronto — Amidst the well-wishes, flowers, and birthday cakes that poured in from across the United States and Canada, Toronto Blue Jays legend Buck Martinez chose to celebrate his 77th birthday in a way that left the sports world in awe. He gave all of his birthday gift money to help homeless people in Toronto, the city he calls “the second home of my heart.”
“I don’t need anything more for myself. I just want to do something meaningful for people in my last years,” Martinez said in a low voice, his eyes shining with sincerity.
According to a Blue Jays Foundation representative, Buck Martinez donated the entire amount of more than 150,000 Canadian dollars, including birthday gifts, sponsorships and rewards from television partners, to Housing First – an organization that supports resettlement and provides meals for homeless people around Downtown Toronto.
This action not only moved fans, but also made former teammates and younger generations of players bow their heads in admiration. Kevin Kiermaier – who was interviewed by Martinez dozens of times – said emotionally:
“He never did anything to be praised. But Buck was always a giver, both on the field and in life.”
Since leaving the coaching chair and moving to become a commentator, Buck Martinez has always been considered the soul of the Blue Jays, a familiar voice on Sportsnet for more than two decades. After overcoming cancer in 2022, he began to participate in more volunteer activities – quietly, persistently, and without the spotlight.
On this birthday, Martinez did not hold a big party. He only invited a few close friends in the sports world to a simple meal, then quietly transferred the donations to temporary shelters. According to those close to him, he also directly visited some temporary housing areas, bringing birthday cakes to share with homeless people whom he affectionately called “my neighbors in Toronto.”
On social media, thousands of fans shared images of Buck smiling gently, sitting and chatting with homeless people in the cold wind of early winter. The hashtag #BuckForToronto quickly spread, turning his birthday into a festival of kindness.
One of the most shared posts read:
“While the whole world counts age by titles, Buck Martinez counts by the hearts he touches.”
Not glory, not fame — what remains for Buck Martinez at 77 is his love for the city he has lived in for half a century. He told a reporter:
“Toronto gave me my career, the fans gave me a voice, and now I just want to give back a small part of what I received.”
On his birthday night, when the Blue Jays posted a photo of him smiling next to a small cake with the words “Happy Birthday, Buck — Our Forever Voice,” fans understood that this was more than just a congratulation. It was a tribute to a man who lived a full life with kindness, even though the halo of the football field had faded but his heart still shone brightly in the city he loved.
And when asked what he wished for his 77th birthday, Buck just smiled slightly:
“I just hope I can continue to help a few more people… before I leave this world.”
Leave a Reply