After speculation that he would end his radio show after more than 20 years, 98.7 ESPN New York host Michael Kay announced Thursday he has signed a new contract to remain as the station’s afternoon host.
Kay admitted he had grown weary of the speculation after the early January report that he was considering stepping away, adding that it “probably put some pressure” on station executives and himself to come to a resolution.
“I was pretty certain that that was gonna be it, that I would leave the show after 21 years in September,” Kay said Thursday. “It had been a great run, a long run, and that would be it…I don’t wanna give this up. I love working with Don and Peter, I love working the people here at the station, and I’m going to continue here. I signed a new contract, and I will continue on with the show. I guess I can say I’m not done giving opinions. After much deliberation, it came to me easily. ESPN was great. Now we can put to bed the retirement and all that. I’m gonna be here a good long while.”
In addition to hosting The Michael Kay Show, Kay also serves as the television voice of the New York Yankees. Kay’s profile has continued to grow with ESPN in recent years, as well. After adding a Sunday Night Baseball alternate broadcast with Alex Rodriguez — the KayRod Cast — Kay called a Wild Card Series for ESPN last year. He will also serve as ESPN’s announcer for the MLB London Series later this year as the St. Louis Cardinals take on the Chicago Cubs in the British capital.
Co-host Don La Greca mentioned that Kay has the propensity to have these discussions at the end of each contract, but claimed “this time felt different”. He was understanding of why Kay was considering stepping aside. However, La Greca shared he’s glad Kay will continue with the show.
“It’s life changing for me and Peter because don’t know what’s on the other side,” La Greca admitted. “We’re comfortable…we’ve been together, Michael, for 21 years…I didn’t want to see it come to an end. There’s a comfortability that comes with sitting next to you every day and knowing what to do and how to do it. The fact that it’s going to be extended, I think, is a great thing.”
