Michael Kay reveals the shocking moment his career move ‘hurt’ John Sterling
Michael Kay's leap to YES Network created one of the few real rifts between two broadcasting legends.
When you think of broadcasting legends who defined Yankees baseball, John Sterling’s name lands first. But behind that iconic voice and those unforgettable home run calls was a partnership — a deeply human one — that very few people got to see up close. On this week’s episode of “The Show” with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman, Michael Kay sat down to share memories of Sterling following his death.
Kay spent a decade alongside Sterling in the radio booth, calling five World Series together. By any measure, it was a dream run. But when the YES Network launched and Kay was tapped as the lead play-by-play voice, the relationship was tested.
“That was one of the few times that John and I had a difficult time,” Kay said, via YouTube . “John was really hurt that I left to go to YES. ” “I would have been very content — 30 years being John Sterling’s sidekick,” Kay said plainly.
“I really would have been. ” Sterling taught him about pacing, timing, voice, and perhaps most importantly, investment. The Yankees legend once told Kay that he wanted the team to win because bringing good news into people’s homes made them like you — and when people like you, you have job security.