Sportsnet 'parting ways' with long-time Blue Jays commentator Pat Tabler

A familiar voice will not be returning to the broadcast booth for the Toronto Blue Jays next season.

Sportsnet announced today that it is “parting ways” with long-time Blue Jays colour commentator Pat Tabler.

He spent 17 seasons as part of the team’s broadcasts on Sportsnet and previously covered and called the Blue Jays for TSN. No reason for the decision was provided.

Thank you, Tabby! 🍁⚾️

A statement from @Sportsnet: pic.twitter.com/cDpBoMB3jm

— Sportsnet PR (@SportsnetPR) December 2, 2022

“Known simply as ‘Tabby’ to fans, players and colleagues alike, Tabler endeared himself to Canadian viewers for more than three decades by bringing his love and passion for the game of baseball to every broadcast,” said a statement issued by Sportsnet.

“Whether due to his work on the field as a player or behind the mic in the broadcast booth, Tabler will forever be synonymous with the legacy of the Toronto Blue Jays.”

Sportsnet released a statement attributed to Tabler as well, who thanked the organization, both Sportsnet and TSN, his many coworkers and all the Canadian fans he has met over the years for “the most incredible 32 years of his life.”

“It has been my honour to serve you,” he said. “I hope that I represented you with the class and dignity that you deserve. It was a great run, but all good things have to come to an end.”

A statement from Pat Tabler: pic.twitter.com/X74VZCzuLn

— Sportsnet PR (@SportsnetPR) December 2, 2022

It has been an off-season of transition for the Blue Jays broadcast booth.

In October, Dan Shulman announced that he would be leaving his radio work at ESPN to assume the full-time play-by-play job in Toronto.

That move was partially expected with Buck Martinez hinting that he would be leaving the broadcast booth after the 74-year-old battled cancer this summer.

Whether Martinez joins Shulman in the booth as a colour commentator next season remains to be seen, but Sportsnet will surely be hiring someone else to play the role as well.