Yankees Legend Suzyn Waldman Reflects on Her Most Memorable Broadcast Moments
She’s on a winning streak
Suzyn Waldman: “I’m the Yankees’ only long-time full-time female announcer. I began my journey in ’87. I know everything about sports. My love for the game started early—I had my own season ticket when I was just 3 years old.”
“One of my memorable calls? Derek Jeter’s 3,000th hit, which was a home run. As he rounded the bases, there were tears all around. Another unforgettable moment was in ’89 when I broadcasted live from the upper deck of Candlestick Park in San Francisco during the earthquake. My microphone and phone were still operational, so I just kept speaking.
“Sure, every announcer has their slip-ups. In 2007, while seated in George Steinbrenner’s box, Roger Clemens decided to announce his un-retirement. It was just me; the ground shook, people screamed, and the scoreboard flashed his image in Steinbrenner’s booth. In that moment, I thought the stadium was collapsing, and I got emotional. Some criticized me for it, claiming I should have been dismissed from my job.”
Do these players never need to relieve themselves?
“The bullpen has excellent bathroom facilities, and Yankee Stadium accommodates their players’ needs. If necessary, they’d even have a bathroom brought onto the field! Typically, when someone is running late, it’s because they had to make a quick pit stop.”
“My initial challenge was competing against male reporters for jobs. Not everyone was kind; I spent an entire year in the press box without a single conversation. I never shared lunch with anyone. The first year was undeniably tough.”
“Eventually, I played a role in reconciling Yogi Berra and Steinbrenner—who had been estranged for 14 years. I was aware George wanted to make amends. Humble pie in hand, he took a mid-winter flight to Yogi’s New Jersey museum, and after that, Yogi started appearing at the ballpark again.”
“I’ve accumulated a lifetime of memorabilia. My photo with Mariano Rivera from the World Series is proudly displayed in the Hall of Fame. I also treasure the memory of Jeter’s last game—me crying and us embracing. Let’s make it clear, the Yankees are phenomenal. If a player commands hundreds of millions, it’s because they’re bringing in even more.”
So, can we delve into off-field antics?
“I can’t speak to that; players don’t confide any romantic escapades with me. I’ve never witnessed anything of that nature. I was always too apprehensive to engage in anything like that myself.”
Yule be paying?
Moving on to Will Ferrell’s 2003 holiday classic “Elf.” The film was a massive success, raking in a couple of hundred million dollars. However, things have soured since then. Last holiday season, Broadway introduced “Elf: The Musical,” but it is now embroiled in controversy—a lawsuit.
In New York County Supreme Court, a plaintiff is suing this musical for approximately $500,000, claiming the production illegitimately appropriated their set, scenery, designs, props, costumes, and furniture from its UK counterpart. They demand the return of their belongings.
Oh dear, Santa is certainly not pleased.
In the past, stage musicals were epitomized by Ethel Merman. Born in 1908, she was Broadway’s most celebrated musical figure, known for her powerful belting style. She once performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Yankee Stadium—people rose to their feet in seven different locations, even in Libya.
Only in New York, kids, only in New York.
