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.
Al Trautwig hosts a Q&A at the 2016 Ironman World Championship Broadcast event at The Times Center, New York City | Source: Getty Images
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 Trautwig attends a Madison Square Garden Company event at the Beacon Theatre in New York City on December 1, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
“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 tribute on Facebook.
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.
A 1978 business school graduate from Adelphi University, Trautwig credited his time at the school’s student-run radio station, WBAU, for launching his broadcasting career.
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
As a student, he convinced the New York Apollo soccer team to let him call their games, leading to his first post-graduation job covering the team for WMCA radio.
His career quickly gained momentum. From 1980 to 1985, Trautwig was the lead sports personality on USA Network, handling over 500 broadcasts, including National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball, National Hockey League (NHL) hockey, and major tennis events like the U.S. and French Opens.
Al Trautwig speaks in front of Adelphi University students, posted on February 25, 2025 | Source: Instagram/aupanthers
In 1984, he joined ABC Sports, contributing to nine Emmy Award-winning programs before moving to MSG Network in 1989, where he cemented his legacy in New York sports broadcasting.
Al Trautwig speaks passionately during a lecture, posted on February 25, 2025 | Source: Instagram/aupanthers
Trautwig’s bond with Adelphi remained strong. In 1991, he was inducted into the Adelphi Athletics Hall of Fame as a non-athlete. He frequently returned to campus to speak with students about sports management and broadcasting.
In 2017, the university awarded him a Doctor of Humane Letters during its 121st Commencement Ceremony, where he reflected on the school’s impact, “It has changed my life by forcing me to rethink things that I have done and still want to do. My students helped me to do that.”
Al Trautwig delivers a commencement speech at Adelphi University, posted on February 25, 2025 | Source: Instagram/aupanthers
In a recent Newsday interview, Trautwig discussed his life after leaving MSG in 2021 when the network chose not to renew his contract. Though disappointed, he wasn’t shocked, calling it part of the business. “I’m very happy. The MSG thing ran its course,” he said.
He also revealed plans to write a book, aiming to share behind-the-scenes stories from his broadcasting career. While he admitted there wouldn’t be much “dirt,” he promised plenty of memorable moments.
Al Trautwig at the New York Rangers’ 85th anniversary jersey unveiling at Rockefeller Center, New York City, on November 12, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
Trautwig spoke candidly about his battle with cancer, which affected his speech. Though he didn’t specify the type, he said he had been cleared and was focused on recovery. At the time, he continued teaching at Adelphi through spring 2023 and hoped to return once fully healthy.
Al Trautwig interviews Rangers captain Chris Drury at the team’s 85th-anniversary jersey unveiling in New York City on November 12, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
Looking back on his career, Trautwig spoke fondly of the New York Knicks’ 1994 NBA Finals run, still feeling the sting of their missed championship. He believed they had been in a strong position to win before falling to the Houston Rockets in seven games. “They were easily in a position to win, and they didn’t, and that bothered me,” he said.
Even after stepping away from full-time TV, Trautwig remained a passionate sports fan, closely following the Knicks. “They have a lot of heart,” he noted. “It seems like they have a lot of resilience. Oh, God, I would love to see [a championship].”
Al Trautwig covers the game between the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden in New York City on December 11, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Throughout his life, Trautwig’s connection to New York sports and his community never wavered. A Long Island native, he grew up in Garden City South, graduated from Carey High School, and spent time as a stick boy for the Islanders and a ball boy for the Nets before becoming one of the most recognizable voices in sports media.
Al Trautwig walks the red carpet at the Ironman World Championship Broadcast Premiere at New World Stages, New York City on December 5, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
For Trautwig, sports weren’t just games — they were stories worth telling. His voice, passion, and legacy will remain a defining part of New York sports history.
Trautwig is among several prominent sports figures who have passed away recently, leaving a significant void in the world of sports. His passing follows that of baseball icon Rickey Henderson, the legendary “Man of Steal,” who died in December 2024, just days before his 66th birthday after battling a health condition.
As fans mourn the loss of two legends—one who shaped the voices behind the games and another who redefined how they were played—it marks the end of an era for the sports world.
