YES Network broadcasters Michael Kay and John Flaherty addressed their seemingly tense exchange in the Yankees booth from the previous night during the first inning of the Yankees’ 2-0 win over the Cubs on Saturday, expressing surprise at the reaction it generated.
On Friday, as the Yankees and Cubs kicked off their weekend series, Flaherty appeared to take a jab at Kay’s silence on the team bus to Wrigley Field, commenting on the ample time for reflection. The conversation turned awkward when Kay suggested that Flaherty preferred working with fellow broadcaster Ryan Ruocco, and Flaherty quipped back that Kay avoided covering away games. Following a 14-second silence after Gleyber Torres grounded out, Kay joked about talking more the next day, while Flaherty asked if Kay was okay.
The duo revisited the incident on Saturday, joined by clubhouse reporter Meredith Marakovits. Flaherty repeatedly stressed the camaraderie among the broadcast team, while Kay lightheartedly suggested Marakovits sit between them due to their “feud.”
Kay, Flaherty ‘love each other’ as Yankees fans react
Flaherty sought to clarify their dynamic, noting that their interactions felt normal on Friday, and was surprised by the subsequent buzz about possible discord. He asked Kay if they were still on good terms. Marakovits chimed in, revealing that the Yankees’ clubhouse had been speculating on whether the exchange was genuine, which caught both broadcasters off guard. They assured viewers that such moments were typical between them.
“I just want to make sure we’re OK, because I felt like yesterday we got along just like we always get along,” he said. “But after the game, I heard we don’t like each other, so are we alright? Well I don’t know if I’m gonna go love, but I really like you a lot.”
Kay affirmed his strong friendship with Flaherty, who humorously offered a more tempered response, leading Kay to predict that this latest exchange would likely draw further media attention.
“I love you,” Kay said. “We’re great.”
The duo continued to call the game, highlighting a dominant combined four-hit shutout by Clarke Schmidt, in his return from injury, and Nestor Cortes. The Yankees’ pitching shut down the Cubs’ offense for a second consecutive game.
The series finale between the Yankees and Cubs is set for Sunday at Wrigley Field, with Yankees ace Gerrit Cole slated to pitch against former Yankee Jameson Taillon, now a member of the Cubs.
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