Quebec Mourns Baseball Icon Rodger Brulotte, Legendary Expos Voice, Dead at 79

A Legend Passes

Quebec is in mourning following the death of Rodger Brulotte, the iconic voice of the Montreal Expos, who passed away at the age of 79. Brulotte died after a valiant but ultimately returned battle with cancer. He had undergone surgery in September 2025 to remove a cancerous tumor from his back, but the disease regrettably returned in recent months. The news sent ripples of sadness across the province, with headlines from publications like Le Journal de Montréal lamenting his passing “like Guy Lafleur, Jean Béliveau or Maurice Richard,” underscoring his legendary status in the hearts of Quebecers. Céline Dion also expressed her profound sadness, as reported by TVA Nouvelles, highlighting the broad impact of Brulotte’s life beyond the sports world.

A Storied Career in Baseball

Rodger Brulotte’s career in baseball spanned decades, beginning with the Montreal Expos organization in 1969 as a scout. This early role laid the foundation for a lifelong dedication to the sport. He then transitioned into broadcasting, becoming synonymous with Expos and Major League Baseball games across various platforms. Brulotte graced the airwaves and screens of CKAC, RDS, and TVA Sports, bringing his unique flair and profound knowledge to countless fans. His voice became the soundtrack to summer nights, most famously punctuated by his electrifying home-run call: “Bonsoir, elle est partie!” (“Good evening, it’s gone!”). This spontaneous phrase, first uttered in 1983, became a beloved part of Quebec’s collective memory, even being used as a voicemail message by Brulotte himself.

Beyond the broadcast booth, Brulotte was also a respected journalist, penning insightful columns for Le Journal de Montréal until very recently. His “Tout partout en ville” articles captured the pulse of Montreal, extending his influence beyond baseball to various community and cultural events. His early contributions to the Expos extended to helping create the team’s beloved mascot, Youppi!, a character that continues to charm fans today as the mascot for the Montreal Canadiens. Brulotte’s involvement in Youppi!’s genesis in 1979 cemented his role not just as a commentator, but as a true builder of the Expos’ identity.

Tributes from Across Quebec

The news of Brulotte’s passing elicited an outpouring of grief and tributes from prominent figures across Quebec and the sports world. Quebec Premier François Legault remembered him as a “wonderful man” and shared that it was “a joy… to listen to baseball games with him.” Legault added, “I already miss his ‘Good evening, it is gone!’ A line that will forever be etched in our collective memory”. Former Expos player and Hall of Famer Tim Raines extended his condolences, remarking, “What a wonderful man!”.

Pierre Karl Péladeau, President and CEO of Quebecor, lauded Brulotte’s profound impact. “Rodger’s authenticity and kindness made him a beloved figure in the hearts of Quebecers. He brought passion to his work and a rare ability to connect with people,” Péladeau stated. He emphasized that Brulotte “helped shape Le Journal de Montréal‘s identity,” and would “always be one of its most iconic voices”. These sentiments were echoed by Maxime Lamarche, General Manager of Baseball Québec, who noted, “Rodger had a very big heart, and he used it selflessly in service of others. His generosity touched generations of players, coaches, and volunteers. We will remember him as a unifying and deeply humane man”.

Perhaps one of the most touching tributes came from his longtime broadcast partner, Jacques Doucet, who affectionately called Brulotte “the brother I never had.” This deep personal connection speaks volumes about the bond Brulotte forged with those around him, a bond felt acutely by fans and colleagues alike.

Lasting Legacy

Rodger Brulotte’s legacy extends far beyond his memorable calls. His dedication to baseball in Quebec was formally recognized with his induction into the Quebec Baseball Hall of Fame as a journalist in 2014. This honor celebrated his significant contributions to the sport’s narrative and visibility in the province. Moreover, Brulotte’s commitment to grassroots baseball was evident through his leadership as president of the Ligue de baseball junior élite du Québec for over 10 years. His work in this role nurtured young talent and fostered a love for the game in countless aspiring athletes.

Brulotte remained a fervent advocate for bringing Major League Baseball back to Montreal. His enthusiasm and relentless efforts to revive the Expos dream inspired many, keeping the hope alive for generations of fans who longed for the return of their beloved team. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life, from politicians to everyday fans, meant that his passion resonated deeply within the community. Rodger Brulotte leaves behind an unfillable void in Quebec sports, but his unique voice, his catchphrase, and his unwavering dedication to baseball will forever be cherished in the collective memory of the province.

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FAQ Section

1. When did Rodger Brulotte pass away and what was his age?
   Rodger Brulotte passed away on March 20 or 21, 2026, at the age of 79.
2. What was Rodger Brulotte’s famous catchphrase?
   His signature home-run call was “Bonsoir, elle est partie!” which translates to “Good evening, it’s gone!”.
3. What was Brulotte’s role in the creation of Youppi! the mascot?
   Rodger Brulotte notably helped create the iconic Montreal Expos mascot, Youppi!, during his time working with the team’s public relations and marketing staff.

What is your most cherished memory of Rodger Brulotte, whether from his broadcasting or his community involvement? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Related Topics: Rodger Brulotte, Montreal Expos, Quebec