The New York Yankees have found their new radio play-by-play voice, and it’s a familiar face to sports fans across the country. Dave Sims will be taking over the iconic role from John Sterling, the legendary broadcaster who retired in 2024 after 35 seasons with the team.
Sims, a 71-year-old Philadelphia native, comes to the Yankees after spending the last 17 seasons as the primary television voice of the Seattle Mariners. He is also known for his work calling Major League Baseball and college basketball games on ESPN, as well as NFL play-by-play on Westwood One.
“The radio voice of the Yankees is a storied position in the history of baseball,” said Chris Oliviero, the New York Market President for Audacy, which owns WFAN, the Yankees’ flagship radio station. “From Red Barber to Phil Rizzuto to John Sterling, the names are synonymous with the pinstripes. Dave Sims is a worthy successor to that lineage. We are honored to have Dave join the incomparable Suzyn Waldman in the booth in the Bronx.”
For Sims, the move represents a return to his roots in New York. He began his media career in the city, working as a reporter for the New York Daily News before transitioning to radio, where he hosted “SportsNight” on WNBC and co-hosted the midday show on WFAN alongside Ed Coleman from 1989 to 1993.
“It’s great to be home,” Sims said in a statement. “What an honor to be part of the iconic Yankees franchise. New York is where it all started for me, and I can’t wait for Opening Day and to work with my wonderful friend Suzyn!”
Sims’ appointment comes after the abrupt retirement of John Sterling earlier this year. Sterling, 86, cited fatigue when he stepped away in April, but he returned to call the final six games of the regular season and the Yankees’ entire postseason run, which ended in the World Series.
The Yankees approved of WFAN’s choice to bring in Sims as Sterling’s successor, sources told The New York Post. Sims will partner with the beloved Suzyn Waldman, who has been Sterling’s longtime broadcast partner.
Sims is no stranger to big moments in baseball. In 2012, he called two perfect games—one by Philip Humber and the other by Félix Hernández—and he was also behind the mic for the Mariners’ playoff appearance in 2022. Now, Sims will have the opportunity to call many more memorable moments for the most storied franchise in baseball history.
“Dave is a veteran, award-winning broadcaster who has called games at the highest level,” Oliviero said. “He has the perfect blend of passion, knowledge, and storytelling ability to connect with Yankees fans for years to come.”
Sims’ career has spanned more than four decades, and he has earned numerous accolades along the way, including two Emmy Awards and three consecutive Washington Sportscaster of the Year awards from the National Sports Media Association.
Though he has deep roots in Seattle, Sims has always maintained a fondness for New York, the city where his broadcasting journey began. Now, he’ll have the chance to cement his legacy as the next voice of the Yankees.
Sims expressed his excitement and eagerness to explore the future. “I’m proud to be part of sporting history’s most famous franchise, the Yankees.” With Sims’ vast experience and natural rapport with fans, Yankees supporters can look forward to a smooth transition in the radio booth as the team embarks on a new era.