3:37 PM ET

Buck was diagnosed with cancer and will be stepping away from the broadcast booth.

As he begins weeks of cancer treatment, the Sunday game against the Oakland Athletics would be his last, according to a statement released by Sportsnet.

The medical team has given me great optimism that I will come through this with flying colors, and I hope to rejoin my Sportsnet teammates later this season.

In 1981 he began a six-year stint as one of the team's catchers. He played for Toronto, Kansas City and Milwaukee.

He was hired to manage the Blue Jays in 2001 but was fired midway through his second season after a 100-115 record.

In 1987 he began his broadcasting career as a color commentator for the Blue Jays on TSN, and he has since worked for a number of broadcasters. He joined the Blue Jays television crew.

The president and CEO of the team called him a dear friend and a fixture in the Canadian baseball community.

"We have no doubt that Buck will face the road ahead with courage, determination, and his signature positivity."

We look forward to seeing him at the ballpark and on the broadcast.