Jacques Doucet, the ‘Voice of the Expos’ for 33 seasons, dies at 86

Jacques Doucet, the renowned broadcaster of the Montreal Expos for 33 seasons, passed away at the age of 86 on Thursday evening. His daughter Martine confirmed the news on social media. The cause of death remains undisclosed. Doucet, known as the "Voice of the Expos," had Alzheimer's disease, a condition he had revealed in 2024.

Griffin, Doucet's long-time broadcast partner and mentor, expressed deep sorrow over Doucet's passing. He emphasized that the Expos' departure, which represented 36 years of his life and passion for baseball, was the most painful part of Doucet's career. Griffin highlighted the unique bond Doucet established with fans, saying he made everyone feel like a friend whenever they encountered him.

Renowned broadcaster Denis Casavant remembered Doucet as a teacher and mentor, praising his generosity, kindness, and the influence he had on his own career. Alain Usereau, a broadcaster with RDS, noted that the entire baseball community was mourning Doucet's loss, recognizing him as the most-listened-to voice during the Expos years. Quebec Premier Christine Frechette paid tribute, acknowledging the province had lost a voice that left a significant mark on generations of baseball fans.

Doucet began his career in 1959 as a sports journalist with The Canadian Press. He covered the Expos for Montreal newspaper La Presse from 1969, when the expansion team began playing, and initially called about one game a week before becoming the full-time French-language radio play-by-play announcer in 1972. He held this role until the Expos left Montreal in 2004, moving to Washington as the team's new name.

Despite initial doubts about his broadcasting abilities, Doucet's voice became synonymous with baseball for generations of francophone fans in Quebec. He called over 5,500 Major League Baseball games throughout his career, including Dennis Martinez's perfect game for the Expos in 1991.