The New York Yankees have joined forces with The City University of New York (CUNY) to launch the “Armando Talavera Summer Internship,” honoring the late Spanish-language broadcaster who passed away in May 2024.
Funded by the Yankees, this internship will be awarded annually to a student from Lehman College with aspirations in sports media, broadcasting, or journalism. Scheduled to run from June through August, the program aims to equip students with practical experience and specialized skills in these competitive fields.
The announcement of the internship coincided with the Yankees’ second annual Hispanic Heritage Media Day, which serves as a capstone for the team’s long-standing commitment to Spanish-language press conferences. For two decades, these events have provided exclusive access to Yankees players and executives, underscoring the organization’s dedication to Spanish-language media and its broader community.
Who was Armando Talavera, ex-Yankees voice?
Armando Talavera, a Caracas native, was a towering figure in Spanish-language sports broadcasting. He served as the Yankees’ Spanish-language voice on WADO from 1997 to 2004. His distinguished career began in 1972 and spanned more than five decades, covering major sporting events including MLB All-Star games, World Series, NBA Finals, Super Bowls, FIFA World Cups, and Caribbean World Series. From 1993 to 2004, he also hosted “WADO Deportivo,” a popular four-hour sports talk show.
In 2004, Talavera co-founded the Latino Sports Writers & Broadcasters Association (LSWBA), a group dedicated to enhancing media access and opportunities for Spanish-language journalists. His advocacy led to the Yankees instituting a monthly Spanish-language press conference, a tradition that continues today, addressing the needs of Spanish-speaking media.
The internship stands as a testament to Talavera’s legacy in sports broadcasting and his tireless efforts to elevate Spanish-language media within the industry, providing a lasting platform for the next generation of aspiring sports journalists.
In 2011, Armando Talavera’s legacy was celebrated when he received the Buck Canel Award from Latino Sports, the LSWBA, and the Yankees for his work with ESPN Deportes. His impact on journalism was further recognized in 2000 when he was honored in the New Jersey Congressional Record for his outstanding contributions to Hispanic American media.
Talavera, who resided in Flushing, Queens, and the Dominican Republic, was more than just a broadcaster; he was a passionate advocate for baseball at every level. Beyond his professional work, he coached Little League teams, sharing his love for the sport with his children and grandchildren, truly embodying the spirit of baseball.
Yankees Vice President of Communications and Media Relations Jason Zillo expressed pride in establishing the Armando Talavera Summer Internship in partnership with CUNY. Zillo highlighted Talavera’s passion for his craft and his status as a role model, not only for his broadcasting talent but also for his warmth and mentorship. He noted that the internship would offer invaluable opportunities to a Bronx-based CUNY student, helping them develop the skills needed to make their own mark in sports media.
Lehman College students will be able to apply for the inaugural 2025 internship starting in late January, launching a new initiative that honors Talavera’s legacy and fosters the next generation of sports media professionals.
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