New York’s baseball scene is gearing up for fresh beginnings as Dave Sims steps up to the mic, replacing the iconic John Sterling as the New York Yankees’ radio play-by-play announcer. On Thursday, WFAN confirmed the long-anticipated news, signaling Sims as the new voice partnering with Suzyn Waldman for the upcoming season.
“It’s great to be home,” expressed Sims, who has roots as a former writer for the New York Daily News. This transition marks not only the end of Sterling's historic tenure but also the start of what's sure to be an exciting chapter for Yankees broadcasts.
At 71 years old, Sims arrives at the Yankees after two decades calling games for the Seattle Mariners. His extensive experience and passion for the sport bring promise and anticipation among fans who are eager to hear his dynamic calling style. Throughout his time with the Mariners, Sims has built quite the reputation, becoming well-loved for his engaging commentary and distinctive voice.
Fans can only speculate on how he will fill the big shoes left by Sterling, who retired earlier this year after his 36th season. Sterling, now 86, momentarily stepped away at the start of the season but made headlines for returning to the booth during the postseason, proving his dedication to the Yankees and their fanbase.
The transition to Sims is not just significant for the Yankees. It also highlights the broader changes taking place within MLB broadcasting, as teams seek fresh voices to engage their audiences. Sterling's voice has been synonymous with Yankees baseball for decades, characterized by his unique style and numerous catchphrases, such as the celebratory "It's time for Yankees baseball!" His departure marks the end of an era.
For Sims, being selected to bring the Yankees to life on radio is both a homecoming and a personal milestone. Having grown up admiring the Yankees, this opportunity allows him to weave his narratives around one of baseball’s most storied franchises. His pedigree as both a journalist and broadcaster makes him uniquely qualified to take on the role.
During his time with the Mariners, Sims not only provided commentary for radio broadcasts but also became known for his work as both an insider and analyst, offering fans insights well beyond the box scores. Now, with the Yankees, he carries the expectation of elevational play-by-play announcements to thrilling new heights.
The role of announcer is pivotal. It’s not merely about narrations of the game but about creating connections between the audience and the team, evoking the highs and lows through words. With Sims at the helm, fans will be hoping for magnetic storytelling, intense enthusiasm, and knowledge—a combination they embraced during Sterling’s era.
There’s palpable excitement among the Yankees' faithful as they look forward to the upcoming 2025 season. With Sims teaming up with Waldman, who has been calling Yankees games since 2005, fans can anticipate energetic broadcasts filled with insights and enthusiasm during the season’s ups and downs.
Day by day, as the season approaches, discussions among fans and analysts alike will likely focus on how Sims adapts to the pressures of such high expectations. For many, it’s not merely about whether he strikes the right chord with their beloved Yankees but about how he carries the legacy of the team and the franchise's famous history.
With the Yankees and their storied legacy at stake, Sims will undeniably find both joy and challenges as he navigates his new position, sparking enthusiasm and perhaps nostalgia within the fan community. His commitment to excellence will be put to the test as he embarks on this fresh chapter of his career, bringing fans all the action live from the heart of the baseball world.
So as the leaves turn and the calendar inches closer to spring, the voices of baseball will change, and anticipation lingers from the Bronx to Seattle, waiting for the next legendary call from none other than Dave Sims.
