Legendary Madison Square Garden broadcaster Al Trautwig passed away on Monday, aged 69.
Fans, friends, and colleagues took to social media to share the saddening news and express their grief after his death.
‘I’m sad to share the news that we lost a legendary voice in sports,’ wrote ESPN’s Alan Hahn.
‘But we lost a lot more than that. 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.’
Shortly after his 68th birthday, Trautwig told Newsday that he had undergone cancer treatment. However, he did not disclose what type of cancer he was diagnosed with.
He also shared that he had been ‘Cleared, and now it is just a matter of getting better.’
Legendary New York City sports broadcaster Al Trautwig passed away on Monday, aged 69
Trautwig’s broadcast career spanned decades as he became a beloved figure among sports fans in New York City. Metropolitan diehards became familiar with Trautwig’s work while fulfilling duties for the MSG Network.
The legendary broadcaster also worked with ABC, NBC, and the USA Network during his illustrious career.
Trautwig’s passing came just days before his birthday on February 26.
‘R.I.P. to Al Trautwig,’ a fan wrote on X. ‘A legend many of us grew up listening to. His voice echoes Rangers hockey forever for me.’
‘Grew up watching him on MSG. Sad day,’ another added.
‘First Lange and now Trautwig,’ a third chimed in, citing Mike Lange’s passing on February 19. ‘Losing some big time voices. RIP and prayers to his family.’
Veteran sports anchor Bruce Beck sang Trautwig’s praises, writing, ‘Saddened to hear of the passing of Al Trautwig. He was a long-time colleague and friend. He was the legendary host of @MSGNetworks.’
‘He only needed a clipboard with a few notes and – would just go. When it came to extemporaneous speaking – he was among the best ever. RIP Al.’
Trautwig hosted the USA Network’s coverage of the NHL in the 1980s. While working for the network, he occasionally plugged sponsors for WWF shows.
His body of work earned Trautwig the 2000 New York Sportscaster of the Year honor. However, apart from his work at the world’s most famous arena, Trautwig also covered the last eight Olympic games while winning New York Sports his coverage of the Knicks, Yankees, and Rangers.
Trautwig also ventured into auto racing, gymnastics, and tennis during his career. He served as a television pit reporter alongside Jim McKay for ABC Sports’ coverage of the Indy 500 in 1986.
From 2004 to 2007, he co-anchored the coverage of the Tour de France, the Olympics, and NBC’s Arena Football League coverage.
Trautwig replaced John Tesh as the play-by-play announcer for US national and international gymnastics for NBC.
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