On October 3, 2004, Marc Griffin, an analyst for Montreal Expos radio broadcasts, concluded the team’s final report by saying “Let me remind you of the final score: 1969-2004.” Today, he could now end his report with “1940-2026.”
Jacques Doucet, Griffin’s longtime broadcast partner and mentor, known as the “Voice of the Expos” for calling the team’s games for 33 seasons, passed away on Thursday at the age of 86. His daughter Martine confirmed his death on social media the following day. The cause of death was not disclosed, but Doucet had disclosed in 2024 that he was battling Alzheimer’s disease.
In an interview with The Canadian Press on Friday, Griffin expressed the immense loss felt by Doucet’s passing, describing him as a giant whose voice resonated through generations. Doucet’s unique style, honesty, and way of connecting with fans made him a beloved figure in the baseball community.
Tributes poured in for Doucet, whose voice became synonymous with baseball for generations of French-speaking fans in Quebec. Broadcaster Denis Casavant, who had worked alongside Doucet, expressed his gratitude for Doucet’s influence on his career, while RDS baseball broadcaster Alain Usereau highlighted Doucet’s impact on the entire baseball community in Quebec.
Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette also paid tribute to Doucet, recognizing his significant contribution to the province’s sporting culture and the lasting impact he had on baseball fans.
Born on March 8, 1940, in Montreal, Doucet began his career as a sports journalist in 1959 and later covered the Expos for Montreal newspaper La Presse. He transitioned to become the team’s full-time French-language radio play-by-play announcer in 1972 until the franchise relocated in 2004.
Over his illustrious career, Doucet called more than 5,500 Major League Baseball games and was known for his coverage of significant events like Dennis Martinez’s perfect game in 1991. Despite the challenges faced, including the Expos leaving Montreal and his exclusion from the Ford C. Frick Award, Doucet continued to make a lasting impact in the broadcasting world.
Following the end of his Expos broadcasting career, Doucet joined the Quebec Capitales, called games for TVA Sports, and eventually returned to Major League Baseball broadcasts, where he continued sharing his passion for the game. His final moments behind the microphone were in September 2022, marking the end of an era for baseball fans.
Throughout his career, Doucet received numerous accolades, including inductions into the Quebec Baseball Hall of Fame, the Expos Hall of Fame, and the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. His legacy lives on through his contributions to developing French-language baseball terminology and his written works, solidifying his place in baseball history.