Longtime baseball commentator Rodger Brulotte was honored by politicians, former athletes, and fans at a public viewing Thursday at IGA Stadium. Brulotte, the French voice of the Expos, passed away last month at age 79, leaving a significant void in Quebec's sports media.
Quebec Premier François Legault stated Brulotte's influence extended beyond the sport, noting, "Quebecers had a better life because of Rodger." Brulotte began his career with the Expos in 1969, contributing to marketing and the development of mascot Youppi. He became the francophone voice of the team in 1984 as a color commentator and later transitioned to play-by-play for RDS until 2004.
Many attendees credited Brulotte with fostering a love for baseball among francophone audiences. Charles Milliard, leader of the Quebec Liberal Party, shared how Brulotte was instrumental in his appreciation for the game in French. Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon highlighted Brulotte's voice as a soundtrack to generations of fans' childhoods.
The public viewing at IGA Stadium, once the original home of the Expos, drew a diverse crowd. Former Montreal Expos player Claude Raymond expressed sadness, stating Brulotte was "part of baseball in Quebec." Public Security Minister Ian Lafrenière recalled Brulotte's personal warmth, and businessman Pierre Karl Péladeau suggested Brulotte's charisma could have translated to political success.
The City of Montreal plans to honor Brulotte with a permanent tribute, in consultation with his family and the community. A private ceremony will be held Saturday, streamed online.