You’ve heard it for decades. That booming, theatrical baritone that defined every summer night in the Bronx. John Sterling’s retirement didn't just leave a seat open; it left a massive, eccentric hole in the soul of the New York Yankees broadcast. Honestly, if you grew up listening to the radio while sitting on your porch or stuck in FDR traffic, the transition to a new era of Yankees play by play feels a bit like moving into a new house where the floorboards don’t creak in the right places yet.
But here we are in 2026. The pinstripes are the same, the pressure is still sky-high, and the voices coming through your speakers are carving out their own legend. It’s a mix of the familiar and the fresh, and if you haven't tuned in lately, things have changed more than you might realize.
The New Voice of the Bronx: Dave Sims Takes the Mic
Replacing a guy who called over 5,000 consecutive games is a terrifying task. You don't just "replace" John Sterling; you survive the comparison. Dave Sims, who officially stepped into the lead radio play-by-play role on WFAN, isn't some rookie trying to find his footing. He’s a veteran with a resume that could wrap around the Stadium twice.
Coming over from the Seattle Mariners, Sims brought a specific kind of energy that New Yorkers actually respect—it’s polished but has enough "edge" to feel authentic. He grew up in Philly, sure, but his roots in New York sports media go back to the Daily News and early WFAN days. He knows that Yankees fans will turn on you in a heartbeat if you miss a pitching change or get too "homer-ish" during a slump.
What’s interesting is the chemistry. He’s paired with Suzyn Waldman, a woman who has forgotten more about baseball than most of us will ever know. They have this rhythm now—it’s less about the operatic "thueeeee Yankees win!" and more about a deep, conversational flow. It feels like two people who actually like each other talking baseball in your living room.
Michael Kay and the YES Network Standard
On the TV side, Michael Kay remains the anchor. This is his 35th year broadcasting the team, which is a wild stat when you think about it. Kay has this ability to be both the team’s biggest cheerleader and its harshest critic, often in the same inning. He’s the guy who will scream "See ya!" on a home run and then spent the next ten minutes dissecting why the bullpen is a disaster.
The Yankees play by play on YES has become a bit of a revolving door for the "third man" in the booth, though. We’ve seen a tighter rotation lately. Usually, it’s Kay and David Cone—who is basically the modern-day professor of pitching analytics—or Paul O'Neill, who provides the "I just want to hit the ball" perspective.
- Michael Kay: The voice of record. He’s the bridge between the Old Guard and the New School.
- Ryan Ruocco: The heir apparent. He handles the games when Kay is off, bringing a younger, more "NBA-style" hype to the broadcast.
- The Rotation: Expect to hear a lot of Joe Girardi and David Cone. They’ve moved away from the 15-person booth experiment of a few years ago to keep things more consistent for the viewers.
Why Radio Still Matters in 2026
You might think play-by-play is a dying art in the age of 5G and instant highlights. You’d be wrong. There is something about Yankees radio—the specific cadence of a mid-July game against the Rays—that TV can’t touch. On the radio, the announcer has to be your eyes. If Dave Sims says a ball is "hooking toward the pole," you have to feel that hook.
The reach is still massive. The Yankees Radio Network stretches from the flagship WFAN (660 AM / 101.9 FM) all the way up to Syracuse and down to Florida. They even have a presence in Albuquerque. It’s a massive operation that ensures you can hear the pinstripes whether you're in a tractor in upstate New York or a beach in Tampa.
The Spanish Language Powerhouse
We can't talk about Yankees play by play without mentioning Rickie Ricardo. If you haven't listened to a Yankees game on WADO 1280, you are missing out on some of the highest-octane broadcasting in professional sports. Even if your Spanish is shaky, the pure emotion when Ricardo calls a walk-off is infectious.
There’s a reason his calls often go viral on social media. He captures the "bigness" of the Yankees in a way that feels cinematic. It’s a reminder that this team isn't just a local New York thing; it’s a global brand with a voice for every fan.
Where to Find the Action Right Now
If you're trying to figure out how to actually hear these guys, you've got options, but they aren't always free.
- The Gotham Sports App: This is the big one now. It replaced the old YES app and combined it with MSG stuff. It’s where you go for the TV stream if you’re in the local market.
- WFAN / Audacy App: For the radio side, but be careful—blackout rules are still a headache. Usually, the Audacy app works if you’re in the NY metro area.
- SiriusXM: Channel 822 is usually the Yankees home feed. It’s the easiest way to get the radio call if you’re traveling outside the Northeast.
- MLB.TV: Great for out-of-market fans, but if you live in Queens, you’re going to need a VPN or a cable log-in.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Listening Experience
If you want to sound like an expert during the next game at the bar, pay attention to the "dead air." A great play-by-play announcer knows when to shut up. Sterling used to fill every second with a story or a "well, you know, Suzyn." The new guard, especially guys like Sims and Ruocco, tend to let the crowd noise breathe a little more. Listen for that roar of the Stadium—it tells you as much about the game as the words do.
Keep an eye on the "Kay-Rod" style alternate broadcasts too. They aren't every night, but when they happen, they offer a completely different vibe—more like a podcast than a traditional call. It’s not for everyone, but it’s where the industry is heading.
The best way to stay updated on who is calling tonight's game is to follow the YES Network or WFAN social media accounts about an hour before first pitch. They usually post the booth lineup there. If you're looking for the radio affiliates in your specific town, checking the official MLB Yankees Radio Network list is your safest bet for the most current station frequencies.
