Toronto Blue Jays’ busking drummer Rockin’ Rick says he’s hanging up his sticks after 36 seasons

Rockin’ Rick Donaldson has been drumming outside Blue Jays games since 1989. Ahead of Game 7, he announced his retirement. Jessica Smith reports.

His sound is synonymous with Toronto Blue Jays home games.

Legendary drumming busker Rick Donaldson, affectionately known to most as Rockin’ Rick, has been bringing the beat outside the ballpark since 1989.

But, it almost ended before it began.

“The first time we came we got kicked off the property and it was kind of funny. But the second time, fortunately the right person saw and saw what it was about,” Donaldson told CTV News Toronto.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

Busking outside The Dome for the past 36 seasons, Donaldson has become an integral part of the hype on game day.

“I know I’ve performed for over one million people, for sure, and, you know, I just wanna thank the fans, my family, and the fans, thank you, thank you, thank you,” he said.

Keeping the beat back in 1992 and 1993, Donaldson knows what it’s like to celebrate a Blue Jays’ World Series win.

“I’ve been here before. When I walked in the building last night and heard the crowd, I knew right then and there, I’m like whoa,” he said.

This run to the big show hits a little different, however, as Rockin’ Rick says he’s retiring after this season.

“The Blue Jays organization, thank you for giving me this opportunity and it’s time,” Donaldson said.

Always marching to the beat of his own drum, Rockin’ Rick says he’s especially enjoyed rocking out with the fans.

“My favourite part is the interactions with the fans, you know. It’s more fans pumping them up! You know, getting them ready to cheer hard inside,” he said.

As for what’s next, Rockin’ Rick says he has no plan to slow down, adding that he intends to continue touring as a musician around Canada.