Russell Martin receives standing ovation in Montreal, father plays 'O Canada'

Dane Carbaugh

Russell Martin receives standing ovation in Montreal, father plays 'O Canada' image

The Blue Jays played an exhibition game against the Reds in Montreal on Friday. It turned out to be a family affair.

At the start of the game, Russell Martin Sr., father of Toronto catcher Russell Jr., lit up the crowd at Olympic Stadium with a rendition of "O Canada" on the saxophone.

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It only got better from there.

As the younger Martin came to bat for the first time, he received a standing ovation.

Although he was born near Toronto, Martin grew up in Montreal, which made for a nice homecoming, for the Martins and for the city, which has been without a major league team for a decade.

Martin signed a five-year, $82 million deal with the Blue Jays last November.

(Source: MLB)

Dane Carbaugh