Veteran NY sports broadcaster Al Trautwig passes at 68

Al Trautwig, an esteemed figure in New York sports broadcasting, known for his presence at major international sporting events over the last three decades, has passed away at the age of 68.

Trautwig’s passing, confirmed by his son Alex, occurred on Sunday at his Long Island residence, due to complications arising from cancer.
Throughout his illustrious career, Trautwig was a familiar face on MSG Network’s broadcasts of major teams such as NBA’s Knicks, NHL’s Rangers, and Major League Baseball’s Yankees. His career spanned through covering 16 Olympic Games, the iconic Indianapolis 500, the Tour de France, and the U.S. Open tennis tournament. His excellence was recognized with four national Emmy Awards, alongside more than 30 awards from New York alone.
“Al was a cornerstone of MSG Networks’ coverage of the Knicks, Rangers, and Yankees for over 30 years, and his passion for these teams was unmistakable,” an MSG statement remarked. “He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy in New York sports broadcasting history. Our thoughts go out to Al’s family and friends during this time.”
For many New York sports fans, Trautwig’s voice was synonymous with the excitement of watching live games. Renowned for his compelling storytelling abilities, he was able to enhance the anticipation of major matches at venues like Madison Square Garden or Yankee Stadium without ever needing to amplify his volume.
Alan Hahn, an MSG Networks studio analyst and a close friend and mentee of Trautwig, praised his expertise as a host who could make every event feel unmissable. “We lost a legendary voice in sports, but more than that, we lost a remarkable person,” Hahn expressed in a tribute shared on social media. “Al Trautwig possessed an extraordinary voice that brought depth and intensity, akin to a tenor enhancing a song. His love for sports and his vast versatility across baseball, basketball, hockey, and his remarkable work with the Olympics will always be remembered.”