Politicians, former athletes and followers paid their closing respects to longtime baseball commentator Rodger Brulotte throughout a public viewing Thursday at IGA Stadium.
Brulotte, the French voice of the Expos, remained one among Quebec’s most recognizable sports activities media figures all through his profession. He died final month on the age of 79.
“There isn’t a Montreal baseball fan who didn’t know the voice of Rodger Brulotte,” mentioned one attendee.
L’ancien descripteur de baseball Rodger Brulotte était exposé en chapelle ardente au Stade IGA, à Montréal, le jeudi 9 avril 2026.
LA PRESSE CANADIENNE/POOL-QMI, Joel Lemay
Premier François Legault mentioned Brulotte’s impression went past the sport. “I believe Quebecers had a greater life due to Rodger, so it’s an vital loss for Quebecers, so it was vital to be right here at present,” he mentioned.
Brulotte started his profession with the Expos group in 1969, working in advertising and serving to develop Youppi. In 1984, he grew to become the francophone voice of the workforce as a color commentator for CKAC. He later moved to play-by-play, calling video games on RDS from 1990 till 2004.
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Many mentioned he helped convey baseball to francophone audiences.
“He has been essential for me to like baseball and to know extra about baseball, particularly in French,” mentioned Charles Milliard, chief of the Quebec Liberal Get together.
Parti Québécois chief Paul St-Pierre Plamondon mentioned Brulotte’s voice was tied to generations of followers.
“It’s my childhood and so a few years listening to Rodger Brulotte, describing baseball and explaining it in a really detailed method in order that we perceive the sport,” he mentioned.
The general public viewing drew Montrealers, politicians, former gamers and even Youppi to the IGA Stadium — additionally recognized to some as Jarry Park, the unique residence of the Expos.
“He’s a part of baseball in Quebec. Everybody is aware of Rodger, so it’s very unhappy for me to say goodbye,” mentioned former Montreal Expos participant Claude Raymond.
Brulotte was extensively praised for his ardour, kindness and lasting impression.
“He was the type of one that would simply provide you with a name to ask you, ‘Hey buddy, how are you at present?’” mentioned Public Safety Minister Ian Lafrenière.
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Liberal MNA and former NHL participant Enrico Ciccone mentioned Brulotte’s persona stood out.
“If he would have informed me he had a direct line to the pope, I’d have believed him as a result of he was that type of man.”
Quebec businessman, former politician and President and CEO of Quebecor Inc., Pierre Karl Péladeau, mentioned Brulotte’s reputation might have translated past sports activities.
“I’d say if he was to enter politics, he would most likely current himself in three ridings and win within the three ridings,” he mentioned.
The Metropolis of Montreal says it hopes to ultimately pay tribute to Brulotte in a extra everlasting manner.
“I believe it’s vital that we try this with the needs of the household and with Montrealers. Let’s simply discover the best place, the best approach to do it,” mentioned Soraya Martinez Ferrada.
A non-public ceremony will happen Saturday. It is not going to be open to the general public however can be streamed on-line.