Al Trautwig, a legendary sports commentator who spent over three decades covering New York and global sports, has died at 68, a family member confirmed.
Al Trautwig passed away Sunday, February 23, at his Long Island home due to complications from cancer, his son, Alex, told The Associated Press. Known for his smooth storytelling and deep passion for sports, Trautwig became a fixture in New York households, guiding fans through iconic moments with the city’s top teams and global events like the Olympics.
“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,” MSG Networks said in a statement.
Al Trautwig at an MSG Network press conference for its 24-hour programming debut at Madison Square Garden on April 1, 2002 | Source: Getty Images
MSG Networks studio analyst Alan Hahn reflected on Trautwig’s legacy in a series of posts on X, formerly Twitter. He remembered Trautwig as a mentor, teacher, and close friend, someone who offered invaluable support as Hahn navigated the early stages of his career.
Hahn added, that Trautwig was “the voice” of MSG Networks, a skilled host who made every game feel unmissable. “Al Trautwig had an amazing voice and knew how to use it the way a tenor could bring depth and intensity to a song,” Hahn remarked.
Hahn ended his tribute by recalling Trautwig’s tough-love attitude, saying he wasn’t one for sympathy and would have urged him to move on and get back to work. “Godspeed, Al,” Hahn concluded.
