Another Iconic Yankees Voice May Be Calling Fewer Games Soon

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 3:28 PM ET

Another voice of the Yankees might not be going away, but it may soon be heard a little less often. A year after long-time radio voice John Sterling announced his sudden retirement, YES Network play-by-play man Michael Kay admitted this week that he's open to reducing his workload in the coming seasons.

During an appearance on The Marchand Sports Media podcast, Kay told The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand that while he still loves calling games, the daily grind of a full-season schedule may be nearing its expiration date.

“I guess I’m at the age (64) where you have to think about it,” Kay said. “I’m not sure I want to go forever… I see the value in what Al Michaels is doing. I see the value in John Sterling staying around until he was 86.”

Kay currently calls 135–140 games a year on YES. That’s a lot when you consider he is also managing a nationally syndicated radio show and ESPN appearances. He noted that a reduced schedule, perhaps closer to 100 games, could be “much more palatable.”

The comments don’t mark a formal farewell, but they offer a rare window into Kay’s thinking. For fans who have grown up with his voice attached to every big moment in the Bronx, the possibility of hearing less of it feels significant.

Kay has been the signature sound of Yankees broadcasts since joining YES in 2002, and before that he was Sterling’s partner on the radio. Most current Yankees fans grew up with Kay’s voice as the soundtrack to their summers. His career has stretched far beyond the booth. His ESPN Radio show has become a daily New York institution, and his national work—including postseason and Sunday Night Baseball broadcasts has made his voice familiar to fans far beyond the five boroughs.

If the Yankees do begin planning for fewer Kay broadcasts, they’ll need to fill more than just airtime. They’ll be replacing a voice that’s become part of the fabric of summer for Yankees fans.

For now, Kay’s still in the booth. But the idea of fewer calls—and more carefully chosen ones—may be part of the next chapter. As Kay himself put it: “Never say never.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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