New York has lost a broadcasting icon. Al Trautwig, the longtime voice of MSG Network and a beloved commentator for the New York Knicks and Rangers, has passed away at the age of 68.
A Respected Voice in Sports
Trautwig’s MSG colleague, Alan Hahn, shared the heartbreaking news on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday morning.
“I’m sad to share the news that we lost a legendary voice in sports. But we lost a lot more than that,” Hahn wrote. “He was not only a friend but a mentor and a teacher. He was, personally, one of my biggest resources of support when I moved into this career.”
Hahn concluded his tribute with a simple but heartfelt message: “Rest in peace, [Al Trautwig]. 💔”
A Storied Career
Al Trautwig’s career at MSG spanned decades, beginning in 1989. He became a fixture in New York sports media, hosting pre- and post-game coverage for the Knicks and Rangers. He occasionally stepped in for play-by-play duties for the Rangers and also covered the New York Yankees.
Beyond his work at MSG, Trautwig was widely recognized for his coverage of Olympic gymnastics, a role he held for nearly 20 years before stepping away in 2016. His passionate commentary helped bring the excitement of the Games to millions of viewers.
A Legacy Beyond Broadcasting
Trautwig’s influence extended beyond the sports world. He even had a brief stint in Hollywood, appearing as himself in the 1993 sports comedy Cool Runnings, starring John Candy.
While the official cause of his death has not been revealed, Trautwig had taken a leave of absence from MSG in 2019 following a cancer diagnosis.
His impact on sports broadcasting, especially in New York, is immeasurable. His voice, insight, and passion for the game will be deeply missed.
Rest in peace, Al Trautwig.
