Rodger Brulotte, beloved voice of baseball in Quebec, dies at 79

By Canadian Press on March 20, 2026.

MONTREAL — Rodger Brulotte, a beloved voice of baseball in Quebec, has died. He was 79.

Brulotte had undergone surgery last September to remove a cancerous tumour from his back, but the disease returned in recent months.

The Montreal native was a renowned analyst and columnist who could still be heard calling MLB games last summer on TVA Sports. He was also writing columns for Le Journal de Montréal until very recently.

Known for his famous catchphrase “Bonsoir, elle est partie!” — which translates to “Good evening, it’s gone!” — Brulotte began working for the Montreal Expos organization in 1969, notably helping create the mascot “Youppi!” during his time with the team.

Brulotte went on to enjoy a long media career in both radio and television.

He called Expos and MLB games on CKAC, RDS and TVA Sports, in addition to writing various columns for the Journal de Montréal over the years.

“Rodger’s authenticity and kindness made him a beloved figure in the hearts of Quebecers,” said Québecor president and CEO Pierre Karl Péladeau in a statement. “He brought passion to his work and a rare ability to connect with people. Rodger helped shape the Journal de Montréal’s identity. He was — and always will be — one of its most iconic voices.

“It was a privilege to be able to count on him during all these years — as a respected columnist for the Journal, a gifted broadcaster on TVA Sports, and above all a friend. On behalf of everyone at Quebecor, I extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Pascale Vallée and to all his loved ones and colleagues. He will be profoundly missed.”

Before joining TVA Sports in 2011 to help call Toronto Blue Jays games, Brulotte worked for nearly 20 years at RDS.

“It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Rodger Brulotte. On behalf of the entire RDS family, I would like to extend our most sincere condolences to his wife Pascale, his family, his friends, all those who worked with him at RDS, as well as the Quebec baseball community,” said RDS director Charles Perreault.

“His love of baseball shaped generations of athletes and fans. Through his vision and dedication, he helped give Quebec baseball a soul, an identity and a future. His passion will forever be part of the history of sport in Quebec.”

In addition to his work in the media, Brulotte was also at the heart of efforts to bring the Expos back to Montreal, working alongside former Montreal mayor Denis Coderre.

“My friend has left us. One of Quebec’s greatest voices. Rodger Brulotte embodied ‘nos Z’amours.’ Montreal, all of Quebec, is in mourning. He was an inspiration to me, an unwavering ally in both good times and bad,” Coderre wrote on his Facebook page. “The least we can do is lower all flags to half-mast. My dear Rodger, I tip my hat to you for everything you accomplished. My thoughts and prayers are with you.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 20, 2026.

The Canadian Press