Rodger Brulotte, a beloved figure in Quebec sports and the iconic voice of the Montreal Expos, has died at the age of 79. The news, confirmed Friday, has prompted an outpouring of grief from across the province and the baseball world.
Brulotte, a commentator and columnist, had undergone surgery in September to remove a cancerous tumor in his back, but the illness returned in recent months. He continued to contribute to sports coverage, offering commentary on Major League Baseball games on TVA Sports as recently as last summer and writing columns for Le Journal de Montréal until very recently.
He was perhaps best known for his signature home run call, “Bonsoir, elle est partie!” – roughly translated as “Good night, it’s out of here!” – a phrase that became synonymous with baseball in Quebec. Brulotte’s career began with the Montreal Expos in 1969, and he played a role in shaping the team’s identity, even contributing to the creation of the mascot “Youppi!”
Over the decades, Brulotte transitioned into a prominent role in sports media, working in radio, and television. He broadcast Expos games on CKAC, RDS, and TVA Sports, becoming a familiar voice to generations of fans. His work extended beyond baseball, covering a wide range of sports and current events with his characteristic warmth and insight.
Quebec Premier François Legault expressed his sadness on X, writing, “What a friendly man! And what a joy it was to listen to baseball games with him. I already miss the ‘Bonsoir, elle est partie!’. A line that will remain etched in our collective memory.” Legault also highlighted Brulotte’s philanthropic work, noting his involvement with the Fondation pour l’encouragement scolaire and sharing a personal anecdote about a baseball gifted to him for his birthday.
Brulotte’s impact extended beyond the broadcast booth. In 2015, he published his autobiography, “Bonsoir…”, recounting anecdotes and sharing stories from his remarkable life. Pierre Karl Péladeau, President and CEO of Québecor, described Brulotte as a man who “knew how to touch the hearts of Quebecers with his authenticity and generosity.” He added, “It was a great privilege to have him with us for all these years, not only as a valued columnist at Le Journal and TVA Sports, but above all as a friend.”
Louis-Philippe Neveu, Vice President of Groupe TVA, emphasized Brulotte’s widespread appeal, stating he “brought life everywhere he went, in his work and in his personal life.” Neveu continued, “He left an indelible mark on the world of sports, and especially in baseball. His unique voice and endearing personality delighted viewers and all who knew him.”
Before joining TVA Sports in 2011 to call Toronto Blue Jays games, Brulotte spent nearly 20 years at RDS. Charles Perreault, General Manager of RDS, remembered Brulotte’s passion for baseball and his contribution to the sport in Quebec, saying his “love of baseball shaped generations of athletes and fans.”
Brulotte was also a vocal advocate for bringing Major League Baseball back to Montreal. He worked alongside former Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre on efforts to secure a latest team for the city. Coderre, in a Facebook post, called Brulotte “one of the greatest voices of Quebec” and an “inspiration,” adding, “Montréal, all of Quebec is in mourning.”
Beyond his broadcasting career, Brulotte dedicated significant time to community involvement. He served as president of the Ligue de baseball junior élite du Québec for over a decade and was inducted into the Quebec Baseball Hall of Fame as a journalist in 2014. In 2024, he received the Jacques-Beauchamp Homage Award from Sports Québec as a builder of the sport.
Maxime Lamarche, General Manager of Baseball Québec, highlighted Brulotte’s generosity and dedication to others, stating, “Rodger had a very big heart, and he used it selflessly in service of others. His generosity touched generations of players, coaches, and volunteers. We will remember him as a unifying and deeply humane man.”
Rodger Brulotte’s passing marks the end of an era for Quebec baseball fans. His voice, his passion, and his commitment to the sport will be deeply missed. He leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond the baseball diamond, touching the lives of countless individuals through his work and his unwavering spirit.
Details regarding a memorial service or celebration of life have not yet been announced. Fans are encouraged to share their memories and condolences on social media using the hashtag #RodgerBrulotte.
The baseball community, and Quebec as a whole, mourns the loss of a true icon.
