Rodger Brulotte, a beloved figure in Quebec baseball, has passed away at the age of 79. Brulotte died on March 20, 2026, after battling a recurrence of cancer following surgery last September to remove a cancerous tumour from his spine.
Brulotte's career began in 1969 with the Montreal Expos, where he started as a scout. He later contributed to the creation of the Expos' popular mascot, Youppi! His career evolved into broadcasting, where he became a defining voice of baseball in Montreal. Partnering with Jacques Doucet on CKAC and later with Denis Casavant on RDS, Brulotte provided commentary for Expos games for over two decades. His famous catchphrase, "Bonsoir, elle est partie!" ("Good night, it's gone!"), became synonymous with Expos home runs. After the Expos' departure, Brulotte continued to call Toronto Blue Jays games on TVA Sports.
Beyond his broadcasting career, Brulotte was dedicated to promoting baseball at the grassroots level. He served as president of the Ligue de baseball junior élite du Québec and was actively involved with Encore Baseball Montreal. His contributions to the sport were recognized with the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame's Jack Graney Award in 2013.
Quebec Premier François Legault and Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon shared condolences, highlighting Brulotte's impact on Quebecers. The Montreal Canadiens also acknowledged Brulotte's passing, recognizing his lasting impression on sports fans and his role in making Youppi! a beloved mascot. Brulotte's legacy extends beyond the broadcast booth, leaving an impact on baseball in Quebec.
