Rodger Brulotte, a beloved Canadian sportscaster whose voice became synonymous with baseball in Quebec, passed away on March 20, 2026, at the age of 79. He died from a cancerous tumor in his spine, which was initially diagnosed and treated with surgery in September 2025 before the disease returned. Born in Montreal on January 4, 1947, Brulotte dedicated his life to the sport, leaving an indelible mark on generations of fans and players. Affectionately known as "Monsieur Baseball," his passing marks the end of an era for Quebec sports broadcasting.

Brulotte's journey in professional baseball began in 1969 when he joined the nascent Montreal Expos organization as a scout. His talent and dedication quickly propelled him through the ranks, and by 1970, he was serving as assistant director of international player recruitment. In this crucial role, he played a part in signing future legendary players such as Gary Carter, Steve Rogers, and Larry Parrish, laying foundational stones for the Expos' early success. Beyond scouting, Brulotte's influence extended into the team's public relations and marketing departments. A significant contribution during this period was his involvement in the 1979 creation of Youppi!, the iconic mascot who quickly became a symbol of the team and the city's vibrant spirit.

In 1983, Brulotte transitioned to broadcasting, joining Jacques Doucet in the radio booth as a play-by-play announcer for Expos games. It was during this time that he coined his legendary catchphrase, "Bonsoir, elle est partie!" (Good night, it's gone!), which he would exclaim with infectious enthusiasm whenever an Expos player hit a home run. This phrase became a cherished part of Quebec's baseball vernacular and cemented his place in the hearts of fans. In 1990, he expanded his television presence by joining RDS, where he worked as a broadcaster for nearly 20 years. He later transitioned to TVA Sports in 2011 to call Toronto Blue Jays games, while also contributing regular columns to Le Journal de Montréal.

Even after the Montreal Expos' departure in 2004, a period he described as a "bereavement," Brulotte remained a tireless champion for the sport. He was actively involved in efforts to bring a Major League Baseball franchise back to Montreal, working closely alongside former mayor Denis Coderre. His advocacy extended deeply into amateur and youth baseball in Quebec, where he served as president of the Quebec Junior Elite Baseball League and was a dedicated member of Encore Baseball Montreal. His commitment to the sport was recognized with numerous accolades, including the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame's Jack Graney Award in 2013 and induction into the Baseball Québec Hall of Fame in 2014. In 2024, he was further honored with the Jacques-Beauchamp Tribute Award from Sports Québec as a builder, cementing his legacy across all levels of the game.

The news of Brulotte's passing prompted an outpouring of grief and fond memories from across the cultural and political spectrum. Tributes were shared by notable figures including Celine Dion, who fondly recalled his close friendship with her late husband René Angélil, as well as Quebec Premier François Legault, Denis Coderre, and Hall of Famer Tim Raines. His profound cultural impact was evident when the Montreal Canadiens held a pregame tribute for him at the Bell Centre shortly after his death. In a fitting homage to his legendary career, Sportsnet announcer John Bartlett used Brulotte's famous "Bonsoir!" catchphrase to call a Cole Caufield hat-trick, ensuring that the beloved broadcaster's voice echoed once more through the city he loved.