Rodger Brulotte, a beloved broadcaster and one of the most recognizable voices in Quebec sports, has died at the age of 79.
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Brulotte, known for his energetic personality and signature home run call — "Bonsoir, elle est partie!" — spent decades bringing baseball to life for fans across the province.
His death comes after a battle with cancer. He underwent surgery in September to remove a tumor in his back, but his condition worsened in recent months.
A fixture in Quebec media, Brulotte remained active almost until the end. He continued calling games for TVA Sports last summer and wrote columns from his hospital bed in recent weeks.
Born in Montreal in 1947, Brulotte began his career with the Montreal Expos in 1969 as a scout. Over the years, he took on multiple roles within the organization, including work in public relations and marketing. He later helped create Youppi!, the iconic mascot that remains a symbol of Montreal baseball.
Brulotte transitioned to broadcasting in 1983 and made his television debut in 1990, becoming a mainstay voice of the sport in Quebec. He stayed closely tied to the Expos until their departure in 2004, calling it one of his greatest regrets that the team could not remain in Montreal.
Beyond baseball, Brulotte's influence extended widely. He was known for his accessibility, humor and ability to connect with people from all walks of life, from political leaders to everyday fans.
In 2024, he was named an honorary citizen of Montreal in recognition of his contributions.
Brulotte is survived by his wife, Pascale, and leaves behind a lasting legacy as one of the defining voices of baseball in Quebec.
His call, and his presence, will not soon be forgotten.
