Dave Sims described an exhilarating first day as the Yankees’ newly appointed lead radio play-by-play announcer, all while preparing to call a Seton Hall-Wagner basketball game for Fox Sports 2.
After Audacy and WFAN announced his hiring Thursday, Dave Sims experienced a wave of public recognition that he fondly called “It’s a madhouse.” While walking home with his wife, Abby, following an appearance on WFAN, a fan in his early 30s stopped him. The fan, familiar with Dave Sims’ work in Seattle, asked for a photo. Abby quickly reminded her husband to prepare for more moments like this as he takes on one of the most high-profile roles in sports broadcasting.
“He said, ‘Hey, Dave, big fan, Yankees fan, stay up late at night and watch your games in Seattle,’ ” Dave Sims said about the fan’s excitement. “Then, ‘Hey, can I get a selfie?’ I loved it. So that was the first interaction.”
“My wife says, ‘Get used to it. It’s going to be a lot more of that coming,” he added.
Dave Sims steps into a legendary position, succeeding John Sterling, who retired at 86 after 34 years behind the mic. For the 71-year-old sportscaster, this marks a career milestone. It also ends his 18-year tenure as a TV and radio announcer with the Seattle Mariners.
The role holds special significance for Dave Sims, who began his career in New York. Although raised in Philadelphia, he has spent much of his adult life in New York, with family ties in nearby New Jersey adding to the job’s appeal.
“Coming home and doing the Yankees is like a double-bonus,” the selected-Yankees voice said.
Reflecting on his journey from Daily News reporter to WFAN midday host and now the Yankees’ broadcast booth, Dave Sims expressed deep gratitude. He acknowledged the emotional weight of becoming one of the few Black lead sportscasters in the industry, wishing his late parents and grandparents could share in the moment.
“Now I’m the radio voice of the Yankees,” Dave Sims said. “It’s pretty amazing. I wish my parents and grandparents were around to see this. They would be flipping out, especially when you consider the dearth of lead Black sportscasters in the industry and in most of sports broadcasting.”
Dave Sims’ connection to New York baseball runs deep, rooted in memories of studying World Series programs his father brought home from trips to the city in the late 1940s and early 1950s. He reflected on the cultural significance of the Brooklyn Dodgers, a team that held a special place in the hearts of Black Americans during that era.
Growing up near Connie Mack Stadium in Philadelphia further enriched Dave Sims’ early love for the game, giving him the chance to see some of the National League’s greatest players in action.
Dave Sims’ transition to the Yankees‘ booth is buoyed by a long-standing friendship with Suzyn Waldman, dating back to their time at WFAN in the late 1980s. He worked as a host while Waldman was a trailblazing reporter. Their history together adds an element of familiarity to their upcoming partnership.
The hiring process began in mid-May when Dave Sims engaged in exploratory conversations with WFAN officials. His potential candidacy came to light unexpectedly during a WFAN call-in segment when a listener mentioned Waldman had discussed him as a contender for the role. Taken by surprise, Dave Sims reached out to Waldman for clarification. After five months of discussions, the position became his.
Chris Oliviero, president of Audacy New York, praised the Yankees’ storied broadcasting tradition, calling Dave Sims a perfect addition to their elite roster of announcers.
As Dave Sims prepares to succeed the legendary John Sterling, he expressed confidence in bringing his unique style to the broadcast. He pointed to his experience in Seattle, where he successfully followed another iconic figure, Dave Niehaus, as a foundation for tackling the challenges of his new role.
“I’ve got my own style,” he said. “And I’ve already followed another legend [in Seattle’s Dave Niehaus]. So I’ve walked this path before.”
Old Video of Dave Sims goes viral
Dave Sims’ appointment as WFAN’s lead play-by-play announcer drew the final curtain on speculation after the retirement of longtime voice John Sterling from daily duties last season, ending a 34-year run. Sterling had scaled back his schedule, with WFAN employing a rotation of temporary broadcasters during the regular season while Sterling returned for postseason action.
Dave Sims, known for his vibrant play-by-play calls with the Seattle Mariners since 2007, confirmed the transition Thursday through a heartfelt message thanking Mariners fans for their support. The announcement sparked excitement across social media, with fans sharing highlights of Dave Sims’ most memorable calls, including his spirited narration of Mitch Haniger’s clutch hit during the Mariners’ 2021 playoff push. The clip served as a testament to his energetic and engaging broadcast style.
For Dave Sims, the move is both a professional milestone and a personal homecoming. The Philadelphia native began his career in New York before embarking on a successful 18-year tenure with Seattle. His return to the Yankees, one of baseball’s most storied franchises, has been met with enthusiasm from fans eager to welcome his dynamic voice to the Bronx.
With Dave Sims at the helm, WFAN has taken a significant step toward continuing its tradition of top-tier Yankees radio coverage, ensuring a smooth transition from the iconic Sterling era.
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