YES Network To Simulcast ESPN Radio New York’s “The Michael Kay Show”

The YES Network has reached a multi-year agreement with ESPN Radio by which YES will begin simulcasting ESPN New York 98.7 FM’s The Michael Kay Show live on Monday, Feb. 3.

Hosted by Kay, a 30-year veteran of the New York sports media scene, and Don LaGreca, The Michael Kay Show airs Monday-Friday from 3-7:00 pm ET on ESPN New York 98.7, and is a mix of news, analysis, interviews and call-ins covering all of New York sports.  Kay and LaGreca have worked together on the show since its launch in 2002.

Kay has been the play-by-play man for YES’ New York Yankees telecasts, and the host of the network’s CenterStage with Michael Kay interview show, since the network launched in March 2002.  He also hosts various programming specials on YES.  Kay has won seven New York Emmy Awards and has earned 23 Emmy nominations during his tenure at YES.  He began his ESPN New York radio hosting duties in 2002.

“Michael Kay is a New York sports institution, having covered the New York sports scene for more than 30 years,” said John J. Filippelli, President, Production and Programming, YES Network.  “Michael personifies the New York sports scene.  He boasts a constant stream of A-list guests, and gives passionate New York sports fans a platform to exchange their views.  Michael fits in perfectly with our programming lineup.

We also thank Mike Francesa for his 12-year partnership with YES.  Mike – along with Chris Russo when they co-hosted our simulcast for the first six years – played an important role in the launch and growth of YES.  We wish him all the best.”

Traug Keller, senior vice president, production business divisions, ESPN, said, “The team of Michael Kay and Don LaGreca has been a staple of ESPN New York since 2002.  We are pleased to work with YES to increase the show’s exposure, allowing New York sports fans another outlet to enjoy compelling content.”

Kay said, “I’m really happy Don (LaGreca) and I are going to be simulcast on YES. We have a great time doing the ESPN Radio show and that will come through even more with the visual aspect. While it is still predominantly a radio show, I don’t think you should ignore the camera in the room and we are going to have fun with that. The national reach of YES is going to allow even more people access.  And the people at YES, where I have worked since the onset, do everything first class so I’m sure the show is going to be presented in a great manner.  I can’t wait.”

Kay handled play-by-play duties for ESPN Radio during the 2013 American League Divisional Series (Tigers-A’s) and the 2008 National League Divisional Series (Phillies-Brewers), and has been a frequent contributor to the Emmy Award-winning Sports Reporters television show airing on ESPN on Sundaymornings.

Kay graduated from Fordham University in 1982 with a B.A. in Communications.  That same year, the Bronx native became a general assignment writer for the New York Post and later covered college basketball, the New Jersey Nets and, ultimately, the Yankees for the paper. 

While there, Kay got his first television job, with MSG Network in 1989 as host of the Hot Stove League segment of MSG’s SportsNight and as Yankees reporter. In 1992, he added Knicks locker room reporter to his responsibilities, and continued in that role until the 1998-99 season.  Kay won three Emmys and accumulated numerous Emmy nominations while at MSG.

In 1989, Kay moved from the Post to the Daily News, where he was the Yankees beat reporter, before taking the job as a Yankees broadcaster on WABC Radio in 1992.  Kay worked as the Yankees play-by-play commentator and analyst on WABC Radio’s Yankees broadcasts from 1992 through the 2001 season, and then became YES’ Yankees play-by-play man when the network launched in 2002.   He also joined ESPN New York as host of The Michael Kay Show in 2002.