Born: 1946 (Newton, Massachusetts)
Biography:
Suzyn Waldman (born September 7, 1946) is an American sportscaster and former musical theater actress. Since the 2005 season, she has been the color commentator for New York Yankees baseball, working with John Sterling on radio broadcasts, first for WCBS-AM and currently for WFAN in New York City.
Waldman was born in Newton, Massachusetts, the daughter of Jeanne and Philip Waldman. She developed a love for baseball from a young age, recalling going to a game with her grandfather when she was only three and a half years old. It’s even been said that she chose Simmons College because it was near Fenway Park. Waldman graduated from Simmons with a degree in Economics, but it was her passion for the game of baseball that would ultimately shape her career.
Before embarking on her broadcasting career, Waldman spent many years as an actress and singer in musical theater. One of her most notable roles was playing Dulcinea in Man of La Mancha. In fact, her rendition of There Used To Be a Ballpark appeared on historian David Pietrusza’s 1995 WMHT-TV documentary Local Heroes: Baseball on Capital Region Diamonds. Waldman’s talent and passion for performance would later serve her well in the broadcasting world.
Waldman’s career in sports broadcasting began in the mid-1990s when she became a play-by-play announcer for the New York Yankees’ local TV broadcasts on WPIX. This groundbreaking role made her the second woman ever to serve as a play-by-play announcer for a major league team on television, following in the footsteps of Gayle Gardner in 1993. Her exceptional skills and knowledge of the game quickly made her a respected figure in the industry.
In 2005, Waldman made history once again when she was hired as the color commentator for Yankees baseball on WCBS Radio, becoming the first full-time female color commentator in Major League Baseball. Partnering with the renowned John Sterling, Waldman’s insightful analysis and unique perspective added a fresh dynamic to the Yankees’ radio broadcasts. Her ability to break down the game and provide astute observations made her a beloved figure among Yankees fans.[10]
Over her career spanning more than 30 years, Waldman has also worked as a broadcaster for the YES Network, reporting on the New York Yankees Pre-Game Show and the New York Yankees Post-Game Show. Additionally, she has been a familiar voice on the New York sports radio station WFAN. In fact, her voice was the first to be heard on WFAN when it premiered on 1050 AM at 3:00 PM on July 1, 1987. At WFAN, she covered both the Yankees and the New York Knicks basketball teams and co-hosted the daily mid-day sports talk show. Waldman’s versatility and vast knowledge of sports made her a respected and trusted source of information for sports fans across New York.[11]
In 2013, the Yankees moved their radio rights to WFAN, and Waldman, along with her companion John Sterling, returned for their tenth year together in the booth. Her dedication and passion for her craft were evident as she continued to deliver exceptional commentary and analysis to the Yankees’ fan base. Her insight and ability to connect with listeners on a personal level endeared her to fans, and she became an integral part of the Yankees’ radio broadcasting team.[12]
Throughout her career, Waldman has been a pioneer in the male-dominated field of sports broadcasting. Her groundbreaking roles and achievements have paved the way for future generations of female sportscasters. She has shattered glass ceilings and proven that women can excel in any field they choose. Her dedication and passion for the game of baseball have made her an inspiration to countless aspiring female broadcasters. Suzyn Waldman’s contributions to sports broadcasting will always be remembered and celebrated.[13]