Al Trautwig, known to many as the voice of New York sports, has passed away at the age of 68, just days shy of his 69th birthday. His death was confirmed on February 26, 2025, by his longtime colleague Alan Hahn, who shared the heartbreaking news on social media.
Alan Hahn expressed his sorrow saying, "We lost a legendary voice in sports. But we lost a lot more than than. He was not only a friend, but a mentor and teacher. He was, personally, one of my biggest resources of support when I moved to this career. Rest in peace, @AlTrautwig. 💔" Trautwig’s impact on his colleagues and the sports community was palpable, reflecting his deep connections within the industry.
Throughout his illustrious career, Trautwig built his reputation working for various major networks, including NBC and ABC, where he covered 16 Olympic Games. He remained most deeply associated with MSG Network, where he spent over 30 years as a studio host and play-by-play commentator, widely recognized for his work covering the New York Knicks, Rangers, and Yankees.
The sports broadcasting community mourned his death with heartfelt tributes. MSG Network released a statement expressing their condolences, saying, “MSG Networks is truly saddened by the news of Al Trautwig’s passing. 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.”
Dating back to his early career, Trautwig made his mark starting as a stick boy for the New York Islanders and later as a ball boy for the New Jersey Nets. His tenure at MSG allowed him to cover not just basketball and hockey but numerous other major sporting events, including the New York City Marathon and the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament.
While he was known for his versatility across sports, he specialized particularly in Olympic gymnastics, becoming a valued voice during Olympic broadcasts for nearly two decades until 2016. His ability to convey the excitement and drama of sporting events earned him accolades, including four national Emmy Awards and 28 New York Emmys throughout his career.
Trautwig was also recognized for his work beyond the broadcast booth; he appeared as himself in the Disney film, Cool Runnings, sharing the story of the Jamaican bobsled team competing at the 1988 Winter Olympics. His charismatic presence on screen mirrored his enthusiasm and passion on the airwaves.
After taking a leave of absence from MSG Network due to health concerns, many wondered about his future. He had been undergoing treatment for cancer, details of which remained private until his death. His last official appearance on MSG occurred when he announced the departure of then Rangers president, John Davidson, just before the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Following his departure from MSG, Trautwig had turned to teaching, sharing his extensive knowledge with aspiring broadcasters at Adelphi University, where he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree and served as commencement speaker.
The news of his passing sparked swift reactions from fellow broadcasters. Michael Kay, another notable figure within the New York sports media scene, commented, "I have been blessed to work with some amazing broadcasters but there was no one greater than Al Trautwig. He was meant for the air. Smooth. Unflappable. Al patiently walked young writers through growing pains on TV. His lessons were invaluable. He was part of the soundtrack of New York sports all those years on MSG. I will miss him. Gone too soon. RIP, my friend."
Howie Rose, another sports commentator, reflected on Trautwig’s legacy, calling him “the best to ever do it” during his heartfelt tribute, which emphasized the bond Trautwig shared with his colleagues and fans alike.
Al Trautwig’s contributions to sports broadcasting and his lasting influence on colleagues and fans rapidly became apparent. His passing marks the end of an era for MSG Network and New York sports, where his voice, flair, and dedication to the game will be mourned and remembered. While he may have left the airwaves, his legacy within the world of sports is firmly entrenched and will continue to resonate with generations to come.