Jacques Doucet, Legendary 'Voice of the Expos,' Dies at 86

Jacques Doucet, the iconic French-language broadcaster known as the "Voice of the Expos," died on August 27, 2026, in Montreal at the age of 86. His death was confirmed by his daughter, Martine, who shared the news on social media. While a specific cause of death was not disclosed, Doucet had publicly revealed in 2024 that he was living with Alzheimer's disease, according to reports from Lethbridge News Now and The Chronicle Journal.

Early Life and Education

Jacques Doucet was born on March 8, 1940, in Montreal, Quebec. He began his professional journey in journalism in 1959, working for the Canadian Press. His early career was defined by print journalism, where he developed a reputation for meticulous reporting before transitioning to the broadcast booth that would eventually make him a household name across Quebec, as noted in his biography by Newsweek.

Career and Major Accomplishments

Doucet's association with Major League Baseball began in 1969 when he was assigned by the newspaper La Presse to cover the newly formed Montreal Expos expansion franchise. During the team's inaugural season, he served as an official scorer at Jarry Park and began making occasional radio appearances. In 1972, he transitioned to a full-time role as the play-by-play announcer for the Expos' French-language radio broadcasts, a position he held for 33 seasons until the franchise relocated to Washington, D.C., in 2004. Over his career, he called more than 5,500 games, including numerous World Series and playoff matchups for a francophone audience, according to Wikipedia.

His contributions to the sport were recognized with several prestigious honors. In 2004, he received the Jack Graney Award from the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame for his lifetime contributions to baseball in Canada. He was later formally inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2020. Doucet was also a perennial finalist for the Ford C. Frick Award, the highest honor for baseball broadcasters presented by the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

Notable Works

Doucet is perhaps best remembered for his call of Dennis Martinez’s perfect game on July 28, 1991, a landmark moment in Expos history. His voice became the definitive soundtrack for baseball in Quebec, bridging the gap for three generations of fans. Following the departure of the Expos, Doucet continued his career by calling games for the Quebec Capitales of the Can-Am League and later returned to Major League broadcasting with TVA Sports, providing play-by-play for Toronto Blue Jays games until his retirement in 2022.

Personal Life

Doucet is survived by his partner, Corrie, and his daughter, Martine. He was a beloved figure in the Montreal community, known for his generosity toward younger broadcasters. Colleagues such as Marc Griffin and Denis Casavant have cited him as a mentor who profoundly influenced the standards of French-language sports broadcasting in North America.

Legacy

Jacques Doucet’s legacy is cemented in his role as a cultural ambassador for baseball in Quebec. By developing a unique French-language vocabulary for the sport, he ensured that baseball remained accessible and vibrant for francophone fans. As noted by Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette, the province has lost a voice that left an indelible mark on its sporting culture. His career remains a testament to the enduring connection between a broadcaster and their community.