Dave Sims, the Yankees‘ new radio announcer, isn’t fazed by the daunting task of stepping into the shoes of John Sterling, a long-time staple of New York baseball. In an interview with Yankees TV announcer Michael Kay on the YES Network’s Yankees Hot Stove last Thursday, Sims shared his perspective on following a broadcasting legend.
“I already basically replaced a legend in Seattle,” Sims said, referring to his time with the Mariners. “Dave Niehaus, a Hall of Famer, was nearing the end of his career when I arrived. That came with its own set of pressures.” Sims joined the Mariners after Ron Fairly retired, making the transition into a celebrated broadcast team.
Dave Sims emphasizes his New York roots
Dave Sims emphasized his deep roots in New York as a key factor in his confidence. “I’ve been in New York my entire professional career,” he said. “I’ve worked at the Daily News, WFAN, WNBC, MSG, NBC, CBS—I’ve done it all. This is a homecoming for me. I’m not some guy who just landed from Mars. People know who I am.” Highlighting his reputation and experience, Sims added, “Fans with MLB’s radio and TV packages know my work. I’ll just be myself. I’m not trying to imitate anyone—if I wanted to do that, I’d be an actor.”
In November, Dave Sims was announced as Sterling’s successor, prevailing over finalists Ricky Ricardo, the Yankees’ long-time Spanish-language broadcaster, and Justin Shackil and Emmanuel Berbari. Sims will pair with Suzyn Waldman, a long-time friend. “Everybody’s like, ‘Dude, it’s great to have you home,’” Sims said to NJ Advance Media. “Suzyn is thrilled, I’m thrilled—it’s all good!”
Fans will need time to adjust to Dave Sims’ voice after years of Sterling’s iconic presence. Sterling retired abruptly at the start of the 2025 season, briefly returning to call postseason games before signaling his retirement would stick. However, Yankees fans can rest assured that Sims brings one of the most respected voices in sports to their airwaves, backed by more than 30 years of play-by-play experience and over four decades in the broadcasting industry.
“I’m really excited,” Dave Sims said. “This feels right.”
The transition marks the end of an era but opens a new chapter for Yankees radio broadcasts. Dave Sims’ homecoming is a reassuring presence for fans as the Bronx Bombers prepare for the 2025 season.
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