TORONTO – The Toronto Blue Jays’ 2026 season officially began Thursday with a game against the Oakland Athletics, but the atmosphere at the stadium carried a somber note. The opening day served as a poignant tribute to Rodger Brulotte, the iconic voice of Canadian baseball, who recently passed away. The game, a 6-2 victory for the Blue Jays, was deeply felt by fans and the organization alike, marking the first time a Blue Jays game commenced without Brulotte’s familiar commentary.
Brulotte, a beloved figure in Quebec and across Canada, was renowned for his passionate broadcasts of both the Montreal Expos and the Blue Jays. His signature home run call, “Bonsoir, elle est partie!” (“Good evening, it’s gone!”) resonated with generations of baseball fans. Beyond his broadcasting career, Brulotte was a scout, a public relations professional, and a key figure in creating the Expos’ mascot, Youppi! His impact on the sport in Canada is immeasurable.
A Void in the Broadcast Booth
The absence of Brulotte’s voice was acutely felt during Thursday’s game. Before the first pitch, the Blue Jays organization paused for a moment of silence in his memory. A tribute video featuring Brulotte was displayed on the stadium’s jumbotron, prompting a wave of emotion from those in attendance. Even as the tribute was presented in English, the gesture was nonetheless appreciated by his many fans.
The emotional weight of the day extended beyond the stadium. Friends and colleagues shared their memories of Brulotte, highlighting his infectious energy, colorful expressions, and genuine love for the game. Michel Bergeron, a longtime friend of Brulotte, expressed his grief, stating, “He’s not here, it just can’t be that Rodger isn’t here… I loved this guy so much.”
During the moment of silence, a statement was read acknowledging Brulotte’s contributions. “Tonight, as we open a latest season, we inquire you to join us in a moment of silence to remember Roger Brulotte. Roger was one of the great voices of baseball in Canada, a broadcaster, storyteller, and ambassador whose passion for the game spanned more than five decades. From his early days with the Montreal Expos to becoming a beloved presence on their broadcasts, to later years calling Blue Jays games in French, Roger helped grow the sport across this country and was a champion for baseball in Canada. Roger Brulotte was a voice that connected generations of baseball fans.”
For many Quebecois fans, the game simply wasn’t the same without Brulotte’s voice. His ability to bring the game to life, to connect with listeners on an emotional level, will be deeply missed. He was described by those who knew him as a genuinely kind and generous man, leaving a lasting impression on the Canadian sports landscape.
Blue Jays Secure Opening Day Win
Despite the emotional backdrop, the Blue Jays delivered a strong performance, defeating the Oakland Athletics 6-2. The victory provided a small measure of solace on a day filled with remembrance. The Athletics, a team with a long and storied history – their all-time roster encompassing players from the Philadelphia, Kansas City, and Oakland iterations of the franchise – proved a worthy opponent, but ultimately fell short against a determined Blue Jays lineup.
The win, while significant, felt secondary to the outpouring of grief and respect for Brulotte. It served as a reminder of the joy he brought to so many, and a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy. The Blue Jays’ performance, in a way, echoed the spirit of Brulotte – passionate, energetic, and dedicated to the game.
The passing of Rodger Brulotte leaves a significant void in the Canadian sports community. His contributions extended far beyond the broadcast booth; he was a cultural icon who helped shape the love of baseball for countless fans. His passion and authenticity will be remembered fondly by all who had the pleasure of listening to him call a game.
The Blue Jays will continue their season with a series against the Boston Red Sox, beginning Monday, March 30th. Fans can follow updates and coverage on the team’s official website and social media channels. The memory of Rodger Brulotte will undoubtedly be present throughout the season, a constant reminder of the man who brought the game to life for so many.
We extend our deepest condolences to Brulotte’s family and friends during this difficult time.
