Voice of Expos, Jacques Doucet, Dies at 86

Pioneering Canadian French-language sports broadcaster Jacques Doucet, widely known as the "Voice of the Expos," died on Thursday at 86. Born in Montreal in 1940, Doucet transitioned from journalism to become the play-by-play announcer for the Montreal Expos, a role he held for 33 seasons. During his extensive career, he called over 5,000 games, including two perfect games and multiple World Series contests from 1982 to 1995.

Doucet played a significant role in popularizing baseball among Quebec's French-speaking audience. He is credited with creating French equivalents for many baseball terms, drawing comparisons to American broadcaster Vin Scully for his lyrical commentary. Despite numerous nominations, Doucet was a member of the Quebec Baseball Hall of Fame, the Expos Hall of Fame, and the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame but never received the Ford C. Frick Award.

Colleagues remember Doucet for his generosity and profound influence on their careers. Broadcaster Denis Casavant shared that Doucet was his "teacher and mentor." Even after the Expos relocated, Doucet continued to broadcast, covering independent league games and maintaining his passion for the sport.