Jacques Doucet, the legendary French-language voice of the Montreal Expos and a towering figure in Canadian baseball broadcasting, has died at the age of 86, according to announcements from family and sports networks. Known for his iconic home run call “Un autre de neuf!” and his decades-long stewardship of baseball culture in Quebec, Doucet left an indelible mark on generations of sports fans across North America.
Born in Montreal on January 16, 1940, Doucet began his broadcasting career in the minor leagues before joining the expansion Montreal Expos in 1969 as a bilingual host. He transitioned to the French-language radio booth full-time in 1972, partnering with legendary broadcaster Claude Raymond to form one of the most beloved commentary duos in Major League Baseball history. For more than three decades, the pair brought the highs and lows of the Expos into living rooms and car radios across the province.
Beyond his signature catchphrases, Doucet became an educational lifeline for fans learning the nuances of baseball through French-language broadcasts. His meticulous preparation, warm delivery, and deep knowledge of the game earned him widespread respect throughout the industry. Even after the Expos relocated to Washington, D.C., following the 2004 season, Doucet maintained his connection to the sport, later serving as the French radio voice for the Toronto Blue Jays starting in 2012.
Tributes poured in from former players, broadcasters, and sports organizations following the news of his death. Major League Baseball and the Toronto Blue Jays released statements recognizing his immense contribution to baseball broadcasting in Canada and his role in cultivating a passionate francophone fan base. In 2001, Doucet received the prestigious Ford C. Frick Award from the National Baseball Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy alongside the game’s greatest announcers.
Funeral arrangements and public memorial details are expected to be announced by his family in the coming days. Fans and sports historians seeking updates on tributes and commemorative events can follow announcements from the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, where Doucet was inducted in 2010.
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