Michael Kay returns to the radio booth Tuesday. The YES Network voice will call the Yankees’ AL Wild Card Series for ESPN Radio.
What We Know: Kay hasn’t called a Yankees playoff game in 25 years. The drought began with his 2002 move to YES Network, since national outlets hold exclusive playoff TV rights. Before that, he spent a decade calling Yankees radio from 1992 to 2001 alongside John Sterling. Now, he’ll join Eduardo Pérez and Tim Kurkjian, with the broadcast airing on 880 ESPN in New York.
What They Said: Michael Kay (via The New York Post): “I said, ‘Yeah, I’d love it. It’d be great. Worked it out with YES where I’m still going to do their pre- and post-game show on the field at the stadium. That’s important to me as well, and then just get an opportunity to do [radio]. … I’m really looking forward to it.”
What Remains Unclear: However, the Yankees’ opponent isn’t set yet. Even so, all signs point toward a matchup with the rival Red Sox. Meanwhile, Kay’s radio stint ends with the Wild Card round. If the Yankees advance, he won’t call more games, returning instead to YES pre- and post-game coverage.
What It Means: Ultimately, Tuesday marks Kay’s first Yankees radio call since Sterling died earlier this year at 87. The pair called five World Series together, and the Yankees won four. As a result, the broadcast carries real emotional weight for Kay and longtime listeners. Additionally, it tests his neutral style on a national stage.
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