Former MSG Networks reporter and announcer Al Trautwig has passed away at the age of 68 years old, according to a post on X from fellow MSG reporter Alan Hahn. Trautwig most recently served as the pregame and postgame host for New York Knicks and New York Rangers and also worked as a play-by-play announcer on select games.
“I’m sad to share the news that we lost a legendary voice in sports. But we lost a lot more than that,” Hahn wrote on social media Monday morning. “He was not only a friend, but a mentor and a teacher. He was, personally, one of my biggest resources of support when I moved into this career. Rest in peace, Al Trautwig.”
Trautwig’s broadcasting career dates back to the early 1980s when he hosted USA Network’s coverage of the National Hockey League. He moved to host SportsNite on ABC Sports, and was also one of the original hosts of the Classic Sports Network when it debuted in 1996. Trautwig joined MSG Networks in 1989 and hosted a variety of studio programming for the entity, becoming a synonymous figure to viewers of the regional sports network.
“MSG Networks is truly saddened by the news of Al Trautwig’s passing,” MSG Networks said in a statement provided to Barrett Media. “Al was a staple on MSG Networks’ Knicks, Rangers and Yankees coverage for more than 30 years, and his passion for the teams he covered was undeniable. He leaves behind one of the great legacies in New York sports broadcasting history. Our thoughts and prayers are with Al’s family and friends.”
Social media was flooded with remembrances of Trautwig minutes after the news became public from sports media in the city and around the country. ESPN New York host and New York Yankees play-by-play announcer Michael Kay shared his thoughts on Trautwig’s passing.
New York Jets radio play-by-play Bob Wischusen shared his remembrances on the legacy of Trautwig in relation to New York sports broadcasting.
A variety of Trautwig’s former colleagues and contemporaries remembered the longtime sports broadcaster on social media:
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