Blue Jays to induct Buck Martinez into new Hall of Excellence

The Toronto Blue Jays are opening a Hall of Excellence in August, and former player, manager, and broadcaster Buck Martinez will be the newest inductee, the team announced Thursday.

The Hall of Excellence, which will be displayed in the right-field concourse of the 100 level of the Rogers Centre, will replace the Blue Jays' Level of Excellence. It will include the 11 members of the Level of Excellence plus Martinez, who will be inducted Aug. 29, according to Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith.

The Blue Jays will continue to add to the Hall of Excellence in the coming years.

"Over the next five seasons, we will induct a series of players, coaches, builders, and broadcasters who have made a lasting impact as legends on this franchise," president and CEO Mark Shapiro said.

Martinez played six seasons with the Blue Jays and managed them for parts of two campaigns. His broadcasting career began in 1982 while he was still an active player. The 77-year-old announced his retirement from broadcasting in February.