Paul Olden misses first Yankees games since 2009, ending 1,339-game consecutive streak to attend family wedding.
New York Yankees public address announcer Paul Olden ended one of baseball’s most remarkable consecutive game streaks in July 2025, missing his first home games in 16 years to attend his grand nephew’s wedding in Southern California. The 71-year-old’s absence during a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs on July 11-13, 2025, concluded a streak of 1,339 consecutive regular-season and postseason games.
Olden’s perfect attendance record began when he assumed the PA announcer role at the opening of the current Yankee Stadium in 2009, making him synonymous with the new ballpark era. His dedication to consistency earned him recognition as one of baseball’s most reliable voices, following in the footsteps of legendary Yankees announcer Bob Sheppard.
A career built on consistency and dedication
The Chicago-born, Los Angeles-raised Olden brought extensive broadcasting experience to the Yankees organization when he replaced interim announcer Jim Hall in 2009. His journey to becoming the voice of Yankee Stadium began decades earlier with television work for the Yankees in the mid-1990s, followed by roles with teams including the Tampa Bay Rays, Cleveland Indians, and Philadelphia Eagles.
“Following Bob Sheppard was a pleasure and less nerve-wracking since I knew him very well from my first stint as a TV announcer for the Yankees in the 90’s,”Olden reflected in a recent interview.”So the transition was smooth.”
Olden’s career highlights extend beyond baseball, including serving as public address announcer for 13 consecutive Super Bowls from 1993 to 2005. His broadcasting resume encompasses work with UCLA Bruins, Los Angeles Rams, New York Jets, and New Jersey Nets, establishing him as one of sports announcing’s most versatile voices.
The significance of Yankees PA announcers
The Yankees public address announcer position carries unique historical weight in baseball. Bob Sheppard, known as “The Voice of God,” served in the role for 56 years from 1951 to 2007, announcing over 4,500 games and becoming synonymous with Yankees tradition. Jim Hall briefly succeeded Sheppard in 2008 before Olden assumed the permanent position.
“You’re not in the big leagues until Bob Sheppard announces your name,” former Red Sox star Carl Yastrzemski once said, highlighting the cultural importance of the position Olden inherited.
Derek Jeter emphasized the announcer’s significance: “He’s as important as any player that’s been here. He’s part of the experience… Part of the experience of Yankee Stadium is Bob Sheppard’s voice.”
Olden successfully maintained this prestigious tradition while establishing his own identity. His first game in 2009 began with the memorable opening: “Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen… and welcome to the new Yankee Stadium.”
Breaking the streak for family
Olden’s decision to miss games in July 2025 marked a rare moment when personal life took precedence over professional dedication. He announced his absence through an Instagram post: “My four year running streak ended almost two years ago and now my 1,339 games Yankees P.A. streak ends tonight with me happily being in southern California for my grand nephew’s wedding. A new announcing streak starts in two weeks.”
Mark Fratto, New York City FC’s public address announcer, filled in during Olden’s absence, maintaining the Yankees’ commitment to professional announcing standards. The temporary replacement highlighted the specialized nature of stadium announcing and the difficulty of matching Olden’s familiar cadence.
Yankees broadcasting legacy continues
Olden’s streak places him among Yankees broadcasting ironmen, joining the ranks of John Sterling, who worked 5,060 consecutive games from 1989 to 2019, and Bob Sheppard’s 121 consecutive postseason games. These streaks represent more than statistics – they embody the reliability and consistency that Yankees fans have come to expect from their broadcasting team.
The Yankees organization has undergone significant broadcasting changes in recent years. John Sterling retired in 2024 after 36 years as radio play-by-play announcer, with David Sims taking over the position. The YES Network continues to feature Michael Kay, David Cone, Paul O’Neill, and other familiar voices, while Spanish-language broadcasts serve the team’s diverse fanbase.
Professional dedication at 71
Despite his age, Olden continues performing at a high level, maintaining the voice quality and precision required for professional announcing. His career advice reflects his approach: “Just work hard, don’t take no for an answer and learn to write. Oh, and practicing your craft is important.”
The wedding absence represents Olden’s first missed games since earning a World Series ring during his inaugural 2009 season. “Anytime you can get a World Series ring is a professional highlight,” he noted about that championship season.
Looking forward
Olden’s return to Yankee Stadium following the All-Star break launched a new consecutive game streak, though his 1,339-game run will likely stand as one of baseball’s most impressive attendance records. His dedication over 16 years demonstrates the passion and commitment that defines Yankees tradition.
The brief absence served as a reminder of Olden’s remarkable consistency and the importance of family, showing that even baseball’s most dedicated professionals occasionally step away for life’s meaningful moments. As he begins a new streak, Olden continues representing the Yankees’ commitment to excellence in every aspect of the game-day experience.
His voice remains an integral part of the Yankee Stadium atmosphere, connecting current fans to the franchise’s rich broadcasting heritage while creating new memories for future generations of Yankees supporters.
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