Joe Siddall: Tragedy, Green Wristband, and Blue Jays Career

Few broadcasters carry a son’s memory into the booth the way Joe Siddall does. The former Major League catcher turned Blue Jays analyst lost his 14‑year‑old son Kevin to non‑Hodgkin lymphoma in February 2014, a tragedy that reshaped his life and career.

Current Role: Blue Jays TV analyst (The Globe and Mail) ·
Personal Tragedy: Son Kevin died in 2014 (Fox Sports) ·
Wristband: Lime‑green #FFK band (Fox Sports)

Seven biographical facts about Joe Siddall, drawn from league records and media profiles:

The implication: Siddall’s brief MLB tenure gave him a foundation for a longer career behind the microphone.

What happened to Joe Siddall’s son?

Joe Siddall’s 14‑year‑old son Kevin died of non‑Hodgkin lymphoma in February 2014, just one week shy of his 15th birthday.The Gazette obituary confirmed the cause and the timing. The loss, as Siddall later told Fox Sports, “changed our family’s lives forever.”

How did Kevin Siddall die?

• Kevin was diagnosed with non‑Hodgkin lymphoma, a blood cancer.The Gazette obituary
• He died in February 2014, age 14.The Gazette obituary
• His birthday would have been a week later.The Gazette obituary

What was the impact on Joe Siddall?

Siddall described broadcasting as a “great distraction” after Kevin’s death.Fox Sports He began wearing a lime‑green wristband inscribed with “#FFK” (Fight For Kevin) and, on the advice of broadcaster Jerry Howarth, wrote Kevin’s name in his scorebook before every game.Fox Sports

How did the baseball community react?

• Baseball Canada posted a tribute to Kevin on social media.Fox Sports
• Blue Jays broadcasters, including Buck Martinez, offered support.Fox Sports
• Siddall later said the generosity of people “blowed him away.”50 Days of Kindness

Why does Joe Siddall wear a green wristband?

Joe Siddall never takes off the lime‑green wristband that reads “#FFK.” It’s a public memorial for his son, and he’s never been shy about explaining its meaning.

What does the green wristband symbolize?

• “FFK” stands for “Fight For Kevin.”Fox Sports
• It is a personal tribute to his son’s battle with non‑Hodgkin lymphoma.Fox Sports
• Some versions of the band use “Fight Like Kevin.”The Drive Magazine

Where did the wristband originate?

Siddall started wearing the band shortly after Kevin’s death. It became part of his on‑air identity. In a Globe and Mail profile, he said he is candid with anyone who asks about it.

How does Joe explain its meaning?

• “If somebody asks, I tell them,” Siddall said.The Globe and Mail
• He also writes Kevin’s surname in his scorecard every game—a ritual recommended by Jerry Howarth.Fox Sports
• He told The Drive Magazine he writes “Siddall, K.” in the scorebook to keep Kevin part of the game.

What is Joe Siddall doing now?

Today Joe Siddall is a key voice in the Blue Jays broadcast booth. He joined Sportsnet about a month after Kevin’s death, turning a personal loss into a second career behind the microphone.

What is Joe’s role with the Toronto Blue Jays?

• He works as a television colour analyst for Blue Jays games on Sportsnet.The Globe and Mail
• He also appears on pre‑ and post‑game shows.
• His candid storytelling and experience as a former MLB catcher add depth to broadcasts.

How did he transition from playing to broadcasting?

• After his MLB career ended in 1996, Siddall worked behind the scenes in baseball and did some radio.Ballpark Digest
• He landed the Blue Jays radio colour role about a month after Kevin’s death.Ballpark Digest
• He later moved to television, where he now works full‑time.

What lessons did he learn from Buck Martinez?

• Buck Martinez, a veteran Blue Jays broadcaster, took Siddall under his wing.Fox Sports
• Siddall credits Martinez with teaching him how to talk about the game without losing authenticity.
• Martinez said Siddall’s experience as a catcher gives him a unique perspective on pitching and defence.

The pattern: Siddall didn’t merely fill a job opening; he brought a father’s vulnerability and a catcher’s sharp eye to a new audience.

Who is Joe Siddall married to?

Family is a central thread in Siddall’s story. He is married to Tamara, and together they have raised three living children alongside the son they lost.

What is his wife’s name?

• His wife is Tamara Siddall.The Globe and Mail
• The family resides in the Toronto area.
• Tamara has been a quiet support throughout his broadcasting career.

Does Joe have other children besides Kevin?

• Yes. Siddall and Tamara have three living children: Brett, Brooke, and Mackenzie.The Globe and Mail
• The family has been open about how they navigate grief together.
• Siddall has said that his children keep him grounded and remind him of what matters outside the ballpark.

What is known about his family life?

• The Siddalls have participated in charitable initiatives, including a kindness campaign that distributed green bracelets in Kevin’s memory.50 Days of Kindness
• Joe often references his family in interviews, but keeps their daily life private.
• The green wristband is a visible sign that Kevin remains a part of everything they do.

How tall is Joe Siddall?

Listed at 6′1″ and 200 pounds during his playing days, Siddall was a typical catcher’s build. His MLB journey spanned four seasons with two teams.

What are Joe’s physical stats?

• Height: 6′1″The Drive Magazine
• Weight: 200 lbThe Drive Magazine
• Bats left, throws right.

What was his MLB playing career like?

• Drafted by the Montreal Expos in 1989.The Drive Magazine
• Made his MLB debut July 28 1993.The Drive Magazine
• Played 37 games over four seasons, hitting .217 with 5 home runs and 16 RBIs.Ballpark Digest

Which teams did he play for?

• Montreal Expos (1993–1995)
• Detroit Tigers (1996)

The pattern: a solid but brief MLB career that laid the foundation for a longer second act in broadcasting.

For Joe Siddall, the green wristband is not a prop—it’s a promise. Every time he sits behind the microphone, he carries Kevin into the broadcast booth. The Blue Jays community, from Buck Martinez to the fans, has embraced that vulnerability. The trade-off is clear: Siddall gives them authentic, emotional baseball analysis, and in return, he gets a professional life that helps him heal.