On October 3, 2004, Marc Griffin, a Montreal Expos radio broadcasts analyst, concluded the final report of the baseball club’s history with the phrase: “Let me remind you of the final score: 1969-2004.” Today, he could end his report by stating “1940-2026.”
Jacques Doucet, Griffin’s longtime broadcast partner and mentor, known as the “Voice of the Expos” for his 33 seasons calling the team’s games, passed away on Thursday at the age of 86, as confirmed by his daughter Martine on social media the following day. While the cause of death was not disclosed, Doucet had revealed his battle with Alzheimer’s disease in 2024.
In an interview with The Canadian Press on Friday, Griffin expressed his deep sorrow over Doucet’s passing, describing him as a significant figure whose voice resonated with generations of fans, instilling a love for baseball in many through his candid and descriptive broadcasting style.
Tributes poured in for Doucet, highlighting his pivotal role in shaping and popularizing the French-language baseball vocabulary, making the sport more accessible to francophone fans across Quebec.
Denis Casavant, a broadcaster who worked alongside Doucet, expressed his gratitude for the influence Doucet had on his career, while RDS baseball broadcaster Alain Usereau emphasized Doucet’s impact on the entire baseball community in Quebec.
Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette also paid homage to Doucet, recognizing his enduring legacy and the profound impact he had on generations of baseball enthusiasts in the province.
Born in Montreal on March 8, 1940, Doucet began his career as a sports journalist before transitioning to become the French-language radio play-by-play announcer for the Expos in 1972, a role he held until the team relocated to Washington after the 2004 season.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Doucet called more than 5,500 Major League Baseball games, including notable moments like Dennis Martinez’s perfect game in 1991. Despite facing challenges such as the Expos’ departure and being overlooked for prestigious broadcasting awards, Doucet’s passion for the sport endured, leading him to continue his broadcasting journey with the Quebec Capitales and later returning to MLB broadcasts with TVA Sports.
Doucet’s contributions to baseball were recognized through various accolades, including inductions into the Quebec Baseball Hall of Fame, the Expos Hall of Fame, and the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, highlighting his lasting impact on the sport and its fans.
In addition to his broadcasting achievements, Doucet played a crucial role in enriching the French-language baseball lexicon and authored several books, further solidifying his legacy as a beloved figure in the baseball community.
