In a significant shift for New York Yankees fans, Michael Kay, the esteemed television play-by-play announcer, will not be calling the team’s games for the first time in over two decades. This development marks a notable change in the Yankees’ broadcasting landscape, as Michael Kay’s voice has been synonymous with Yankees baseball since 2002.
His association with the Yankees began in 1992 when he joined John Sterling in the radio booth. Their partnership lasted a decade, during which they became a beloved duo among fans. In 2002, with the launch of the YES Network, Michael Kay transitioned to television, becoming the lead play-by-play announcer for Yankees telecasts. His distinctive “See-ya!” home run call and insightful commentary have been integral to the viewing experience for many.
Beyond game broadcasts, Michael Kay has showcased his versatility by hosting “CenterStage,” an interview program on the YES Network that features in-depth conversations with prominent figures from sports and entertainment. Additionally, he has been the voice of “The Michael Kay Show,” a sports talk radio program that delves into various topics, further cementing his status as a prominent media personality in New York, especially among Yankees fans.
Throughout his illustrious career, Michael Kay has been recognized with multiple accolades, including nine New York Emmy Awards and thirty-six nominations for his work with the YES Network. In 2018, he was inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Association’s Hall of Fame, underscoring his significant contributions to sports broadcasting.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, the evolving nature of ESPN’s programming and the radio business played a significant role. Additionally, Michael Kay expressed interest in a more manageable schedule, likely influenced by the grueling demands of a daily afternoon show.
Reports from The Athletic suggest that Alan Hahn is set to join Michael Kay’s current co-hosts, Don La Greca and Peter Rosenberg, for the 3-7 p.m. time slot. Meanwhile, ex-NFL linebacker Bart Scott’s show will shift to air before him.
Recently, he expressed frustration over ESPN’s decision to air the Yankees’ Opening Day game on March 27, which would disrupt his personal streak of covering every Game 1 of the Yankees season. “They never do. They haven’t lately!” Michael Kay quipped in response to his co-host La Greca’s comment that ESPN likely wasn’t considering his streak when making its programming decision.
While the remark was lighthearted, it underscores the complexities of navigating corporate decisions in modern broadcasting. For someone who has dedicated nearly four decades to covering the Yankees, the sentiment reveals his enduring passion for the team and his craft.
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JFC that is not the story at all. His radio show is ending, that’s it. You wrote that he “will not be calling the team’s games for the first time in over two decades.” Do better.