Just as his broadcast schedule is about to increase significantly, longtime MSG contributor, Al Trautwig is taking an unexpected leave of absence.
“I’m going to be taking some personal time off, and look forward to returning to what I love most — bringing NY fans the coverage they crave on MSG Networks,” Trautwig said in a statement.
The news was first reported by the New York Post with MSG Networks confirming Trautwig’s leave to the paper, but wouldn’t comment on the cause for his absence. Last week, Trautwig was seen on MSG during a Rangers preseason game, while viewers commented on social media that the sportscaster did not look well.
With preseason hockey already under way, Trautwig’s broadcast responsibilities were set to grow over the next few weeks as the NHL and NBA seasons begin. MSG didn’t announce a replacement for Trautwig during his absence, but an increased role for Bill Pidto, who already works on the network for Knicks and Rangers telecasts, would make sense.
Trautwig is expected to return to MSG during the hockey and basketball seasons, but no timeline has been shared. The popular sportscaster joined MSG in 1989, spending most of his time with the network as a pre and postgame show host, having also worked as a fill-in play-by-play voice.
Brandon Contes is a freelance writer for BSM. He can be found on Twitter @BrandonContes. To reach him by email click here.
Trautwig also worked for years at NBC. He worked many Olympics covering Gymnastics and Cycling as well as covering the Tour de France Hockey and Arena Football. He also covered baseball for NBC in the 1990’s