The story of the New York Yankees radio booth this season reads like an episode of Succession, just without the profanity and hilariously terrible, yet somehow endearing human beings.
It all started when legendary voice John Sterling abruptly retired soon after the season began. Throughout the rest of the long MLB season, a number of different announcers and personalities filled Sterling’s shoes from Craig Carton to Ricky Ricardo. And yet, none have been given the job on a permanent basis. In fact, Sterling himself is making a comeback to call the Yankees this postseason.
What happens now in 2025 is anybody’s guess. But a new name has emerged in the running. Well… at least formally.
NJ.com reports that Seattle Mariners announcer Dave Sims has interviewed for the position. And during the team’s visit to the Bronx this week, Sims was asked by the outlet about the Yankees job, but declined to comment.
At 71, Sims is interested in making a career change to work closer to home.
His home is Manhattan. That’s where he and his wife spend baseball offseasons. One of his sons and a grandchild are nearby, too.
Rumors that started in June when someone who goes by Dr. Joe called a WFAN talk show are true:
Sims is interested in leaving the Mariners to succeed John Sterling as the radio voice of the Yankees.
“We’ll see what happens,” Sims told NJ Advance Media on Tuesday prior to calling the Yankees’ 11-2 win over the Mariners for Root Sports. “I love what I’m doing here in Seattle. New York is home. That’s all I can say.”
Two sources told NJ Advance Media that Sims has interviewed to become the full-time successor to Sterling, who abruptly retired on April 15, 16 games into his 36th season with the Yankees.
“I can’t comment on that,” Sims said.
Earlier this summer, it seemed a little odd that a random WFAN caller brought up Sims’ name out of the blue as a potential Sterling replacement, citing his relationship with Suzyn Waldman.
Anecdotally, a lot of pieces line up to give credence to the idea that Sims could be the next New York Yankees radio voice. He has the local connections, the experience, the skill, and the relationship with Waldman to make it a very smooth transition. Perhaps Dave Sims has been the team’s number one target all along, which if you consider the rotation of announcers and Sterling’s postseason return, makes sense too.
[NJ.com]
