Dave Sims, the new radio voice of the New York Yankees, is no stranger to the grind of a long baseball season. At 72, Sims has embraced the challenge of following in the footsteps of legendary broadcaster John Sterling, stepping into the booth for one of the most storied franchises in sports. His journey from a young Philadelphia sports fan to calling games for the Yankees is rooted in passion, resilience, and an unwavering love for the game.
Philadelphia roots to Yankee Stadium booth
Sims’ baseball connection began in Philadelphia, where he first fell under the spell of the game listening to the distinctive cadence of Yankees legend Mel Allen. Those early broadcasts planted seeds that would flourish throughout his life. His personal baseball path included playing catcher and captaining his team at Chestnut Hill Academy before continuing behind the plate at Bethany College in West Virginia.
When his playing prospects dimmed, Sims pivoted to sports journalism, joining the New York Daily News in 1975. His broadcasting career evolved steadily over subsequent decades, culminating in an 18-year tenure calling Seattle Mariners games on television and radio. Now in 2025, Sims has returned to New York for what many consider the pinnacle assignment in baseball broadcasting.
“This is what I know, this is what I love, and I like getting after it,” Sims said recently, discussing his new role with the Yankees.
Navigating baseball’s demanding calendar
The baseball season’s relentless schedule – 162 games stretched across seven months – tests the endurance of everyone involved. For Sims, this marathon isn’t something to endure but rather a lifestyle that suits his temperament. “I wasn’t made to be a chemist, or a mathematician or anything like that,” he quipped, emphasizing how naturally broadcasting fits his personality.
His home game routine at Yankee Stadium reflects disciplined professionalism. Each day begins with physical conditioning – cycling on an exercise bike followed by strength work with kettlebells and dumbbells. A protein-focused breakfast of eggs and toast prepared by his wife, Abby, provides sustainable energy for the broadcast ahead.
Hydration remains a constant priority. “A ton of water,” Sims insists, is essential. Between preparation and game time, he recharges with strolls through Central Park. “Central Park is so New York,” he said. “On a beautiful day, everybody’s walking through, and happy, and it’s cool. You watch the trees and everything bloom… It’s a beautiful thing, man.”
The energetic voice on Yankees radio
Sims’ broadcasting style is characterized by authentic enthusiasm – a quality that garnered recognition from radio personality Howard Stern, who praised his vibrant delivery. For Sims, this energy stems naturally from baseball’s inherent unpredictability.
“In baseball, you can’t project anything,” he explained. “That’s the excitement you hear in my voice.”
To maintain his vocal instrument, Sims strictly avoids cold water during broadcasts. Experience taught him that room-temperature hydration prevents the vocal cord issues that could derail a broadcaster’s performance.
Mental stamina through the season’s phases
While April baseball brings fresh excitement, maintaining focus during summer’s long stretches presents different challenges. How does a broadcaster stay sharp when playoff races remain distant specters? Sims approaches this with a veteran perspective and mental discipline.
“A lot of people always say, in terms of gloom and doom, that it’s going to be hot,” Sims said. “Well, no kidding—it’s baseball!”
Having experienced both 100-loss campaigns and playoff runs with Seattle, Sims understands baseball’s emotional spectrum intimately. He finds comfort in the game’s predictable structure. “I like being scheduled every day. I can look at a calendar, I know where I’m going to be, and what I’m going to be doing.”
Finding his place in Yankees culture
Partnered with longtime analyst Suzyn Waldman, Sims has quickly established himself within the Yankees organization. His Philadelphia background created immediate rapport with manager Aaron Boone, who shares those roots, while his professionalism has earned respect from stars like Aaron Judge.
Pre-game clubhouse visits form a crucial element of his preparation regimen, yielding insights that enrich his broadcasts. The positive reception from players, coaches, and media colleagues confirms his seamless integration into Yankees tradition.
Even veteran broadcasters occasionally battle focus lapses during the lengthy season. Sims combats potential doldrums with museum visits, refreshing walks, or casual lunches with friends. Sometimes, self-motivation proves most effective.
“I can hear my Old Man saying ‘Yeah, you’re tired. So what? Keep moving!'” Sims recounted, channeling paternal wisdom that continues guiding him.
A broadcaster making his mark
For Sims, his Yankees role transcends professional achievement – it represents a meaningful milestone in broadcasting diversity. “In the history of Major League Baseball broadcasting, I’m the fifth or sixth Black guy to have his own broadcast team,” he noted.
This awareness of his place in broadcasting history fuels his dedication to excellence, honoring those who opened doors while continuing to elevate the craft for future generations.
As the 2025 campaign progresses, Sims is proving an ideal successor in the storied Yankees booth. His distinctive voice, undimmed enthusiasm, and encyclopedic baseball knowledge create compelling broadcasts regardless of score or standings. Whether describing a crucial late-inning at-bat or maintaining listener interest during a lopsided contest, Sims brings consistent professionalism to each broadcast.
“I like what I do. I like the game, I like the people. I like being around,” Sims said – a simple declaration that explains his enduring success in baseball’s broadcast booth.
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