Longtime MSG Network sportscaster Al Trautwig dead at 68

Sportscaster Al Trautwig, a familiar voice in pregame and postgame shows for New York sports teams, has died at the age of 68, MSG Network studio analyst Alan Hahn announced on X Monday.

"I'm sad to share the news that we lost a legendary voice in sports. But we lost a lot more than that," Hahn said in the post. "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. Rest in peace, @AlTrautwig."

A cause of death has not yet been released but Trautwig last appeared on MSG in 2019 before taking a leave of absence after being diagnosed with cancer, NorthJersey.com reported.

Who was Al Trautwig?

Trautwig served as a studio host covering pregame and postgame shows for the New York Knicks, Rangers and Yankees for decades and took part in Olympics coverage over the years, including gymnastic events from 2000-2016.

The Long Island native also covered other notable events such as the New York City marathon, U.S. Open tennis tournament and the Tour de France.

Trautwig even made it onto the big screen, appearing in the 1993 film "Cool Runnings," where he played himself in the movie about the Jamaican bobsled team in the 1988 Winter Games in Canada.

'Al was a staple on MSG Networks' Knicks, Rangers and Yankees coverage'

“MSG Networks is truly saddened by the news of Al Trautwig’s passing," MSG Networks said in a statement Monday. "Al was a staple on MSG Networks’ Knicks, Rangers and Yankees coverage for more than 30 years, and his passion for the teams he covered was undeniable. He leaves behind one of the great legacies in New York sports broadcasting history. Our thoughts and prayers are with Al’s family and friends.”

Sports broadcasting community reacts to Al Trautwig's death

Trautwig's death has started to ripple throughout the sports broadcasting community as tributes are pouring out from fellow sportscasters who worked alongside him throughout his career.

ESPN sports commentator Bob Wischusen called Trautwig "as nice as they come," in a post to X Monday, saying "When Al's voice was the first you heard to start a pregame, no one made a local broadcast feel bigger."

And Fox 5 NY sports anchor Tina Cervasio said it was an honor to work with Trautwig, calling his influence, lessons and advice "unmatched."

Hahn also had high praise for Trautwig in his post, calling him "the voice of @msgnetworks."

"Al Trautwig had an amazing voice and knew how to use it the way a tenor could bring depth and intensity to a song ... He was a skilled host who knew how to make every game feel like something you don't want to miss."

A career in photos: Legendary New York sportscaster Al Trautwig dead at 68

Contributing: NorthJersey.com reporter Albert Bainbridge IV

Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.