Longtime New York Sports Broadcaster Al Trautwig Dies at 68

Host Al Trautwig at a press conference to announce new 24 hour programming on the MSG Network, which will debut on April 1, 2002, at the Madison Square Garden in New York City. Scott Gries/Getty Images

Longtime MSG Network sports broadcaster legend Al Trautwig passed away in his home on Long Island on Sunday, three days short of turning 69 years old.

Alan “Al” Trautwig’s death was first announced on social media by Alan Hahn, an ESPN Radio host and a studio analyst for MSG Networks, on Monday.

“I’m sad to share the news that we lost a legendary voice in sports,” Hahn wrote. “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.”

Trautwig’s son, Alex, later confirmed to The Associated Press that his father had passed away from complications of cancer.

Trautwig was a familiar and beloved face on TV, especially for New York sports fans, serving as the pre- and post-game host for the New York Knicks, Rangers, and Yankees

“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,” MSG said in a statement.

“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.”

But the Long Islander enjoyed a wider audience than merely his fellow New-Yorkers. Over the course of his career, Trautwig worked for a variety of networks providing commentary on all kinds of sports, including soccer, tennis, golf, marathons, Nordic skiing, and college basketball. He also covered 16 Olympic games in total, the last being for NBC in 2016, focusing on gymnastics.

Trautman’s status as a sports broadcasting icon received pop culture affirmation with the 1993 release of “Cool Runnings,” a Disney movie about the Jamaican bobsleigh team that competed at the 1988 Winter Olympics, where he played himself.

His trademark voice and demeanor earned him four national Emmy Awards and numerous New York Emmys. He was also named New York Sportscaster of the Year in 2000.

“Al Trautwig had an amazing voice and knew how to use it the way a tenor could bring depth and intensity to a song,” Hahn said. “He was a skilled host who knew how to make every game feel like something you don’t want to miss.”

Trautwig wasn’t just loved by sport viewers, but equally if not more respected by his peers.

“I have been blessed to work with some amazing broadcasters but there was no one better than Al Trautwig,” ESPN host Michael Kay said. “He was meant to be on the air. Smooth. Unflappable … his lessons were invaluable.”

Hahn also recalled how his former mentor would inspire him on his bad days.

“I’d say I’m sad, but he’d hate that. ‘Get the f— over it!’ he would bark. ‘You’ve got a show to do!’”

Sweeny Murti, a senior contributor for MLB Media, thanked Trautwig in an X post for his work and generosity throughout the years.

“A wonderful broadcaster and so kind to aspiring ones like me,” Murti worte. “RIP Al.”

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

From NTD News