WFAN widens Emmanuel Berbari’s role to lead Yankees postgame show

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WFAN Sports Radio has appointed Emmanuel Berbari as the official host of the New York Yankees postgame show for the 2025 season, Audacy announced Tuesday. The move elevates Berbari’s role within the station’s Yankees coverage following his contributions over the past two seasons.

Beyond hosting postgame duties, Berbari will continue serving as a fill-in play-by-play announcer, further expanding his presence on Yankees broadcasts as the radio team undergoes significant changes following John Sterling’s retirement.

“I’m thrilled to continue the relationship and look forward to working with Suzyn, Dave, and everyone at WFAN and the Yankees this season,” Berbari said in a statement. “Growing up hanging on every pitch and each word on Yankees radio, the opportunity to be a part of the team these last two seasons has been surreal.”

Rapid rise through broadcasting ranks

Berbari, a Greenlawn, New York native and Fordham University graduate, developed his broadcasting skills at WFUV, the school’s acclaimed student-run radio station. His experience calling Fordham Athletics games prepared him for professional opportunities, eventually leading to minor league baseball assignments before joining WFAN’s Yankees coverage.

His appointment comes after impressive work as a fill-in play-by-play announcer during the 2024 season, where his polished delivery and baseball knowledge quickly resonated with the Yankees‘ radio audience.

Chris Oliviero, Market President for Audacy New York, praised Berbari’s contributions to date and his potential in the expanded role.

“We are excited to have Emmanuel take on an expanded role as the postgame show host for WFAN’s Yankees broadcasts,” Oliviero said. “Emmanuel has been a terrific contributor to our team coverage the last few seasons, and his passion for the game makes him a perfect fit to wrap up each game for the fans of the Bronx Bombers.”

Revamped Yankees radio team

Berbari’s promotion represents just one component of WFAN’s restructured Yankees broadcast team for 2025. Dave Sims, who brings extensive experience from his work with the Seattle Mariners and national baseball broadcasts, will take over as the lead play-by-play announcer.

Suzyn Waldman remains in her familiar role as color commentator and pregame host, providing continuity and institutional knowledge as the broadcast team evolves. Her ongoing presence ensures that longtime listeners maintain a connection to the station’s Yankees coverage traditions.

Justin Shackil, who served as a regular fill-in play-by-play announcer last season, will not hold a permanent position in 2025 but may still contribute occasional coverage throughout the season.

The postgame show’s significance

As Yankees postgame host, Berbari assumes responsibility for a broadcast segment that serves as a crucial forum for fan reaction and game analysis. The postgame show traditionally features player interviews, managerial insights, and caller interaction, making it a vital platform for the Yankees’ passionate fanbase.

Berbari’s broadcasting approach combines respect for the Bronx tradition with modern analytical perspectives, positioning him to connect with diverse segments of the team’s audience. His deep knowledge of the franchise and contemporary baseball trends equips him to provide comprehensive postgame coverage during what promises to be an eventful 2025 season.

The Yankees’ offseason additions, including Paul Goldschmidt and other key acquisitions, have heightened expectations following their 2024 postseason appearance. Berbari’s postgame analysis will help frame the narrative around the team’s championship pursuit throughout the upcoming campaign.

Broadcasting evolution

Berbari’s elevation reflects broader industry trends toward developing younger broadcast talent while maintaining connections to baseball’s rich radio tradition. As Sterling’s retirement marked the end of an era in Yankees broadcasting, WFAN has strategically assembled a team that honors the past while embracing fresh perspectives.

The station’s commitment to Yankees coverage remains unwavering amid the transition, with the broadcast team adjustments aimed at maintaining WFAN’s position as the definitive audio home for Bronx baseball. The postgame show, with Berbari at the helm, will continue serving as an essential destination for fans seeking immediate reaction and analysis following each game.

For Berbari, the appointment represents a significant career milestone and the realization of a childhood dream. His journey from listening to Yankees radio broadcasts as a young fan to hosting postgame coverage illustrates the potential pathway for aspiring sports broadcasters in the digital age.

As the Yankees prepare for spring training and the 2025 regular season, WFAN’s revamped broadcast team stands ready to document every moment for the team’s extensive radio audience across New York and through digital platforms worldwide.

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