And just like that, heaven got another good one, just when a vacuum was getting bigger in sports broadcasting. After Mike Gorman’s retirement last year and Hubie Brown’s final call earlier last month, the NBA world saw another ‘end of an era’. This time it was Al Trautwig’s turn to finally rest his legendary voice, but to a tragic end. The longtime voice of the MSG broadcast is no more.

Following his battle with cancer and overcoming it, Trautwig’s only goal was to heal to full health. That, however, did not come to pass, as his former coworker, Alan Hahn, announced on Monday morning, causing ripples around the sporting communities.

“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 on his X account. “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,” he concluded, followed by “Rest in peace Al Trautwig” and a broken heart emoji. That was the state of the collective broadcasting world as they mourned the grave loss of the NBA legend behind the mic.

Broadcasting world left heartbroken by NBA broadcaster’s demise

As soon as the news of Al Trautwig’s demise became public, wishes poured in not only from the NBA community but from all around the broadcasting community. FOX’s Tina Cervasio took to social media to share her work experience with the genius on the microphone. “It’s been a sad few months losing some of the great people I worked w at MSGNetworks. Al Trautwig’s influence, lessons & advice were unmatched. ‘Why are you U writing so much? Bullet point facts, stats & just speak of what you know. Don’t memorize. TALK to fans watching.’ RIP💔,” she wrote as a tribute to Trautwig. The two worked alongside, covering Knicks games. She also mentioned the enchanting connection of Trautwig with the fans at home.

The New York sports went by very quickly. John Sterling, Al Trautwig, Sam Rosen, Marv Albert — to name a few of the pioneers of the art of commentary, who turned the NY sports’ greatest moments into iconic memories. Mets’ longtime radio voice, Howie Rose also paid his respect for the legend. “So terribly sad to hear of the passing of Al Trautwig. During my years broadcasting Islander games, whenever we brought in a new host/sideline reporter, if I was asked for advice I would simply say, ‘Just watch Al Trautwig’. The best to ever do it. RIP,” he wrote. While life expectancy in the US is around 78 years, Trautwig’s life succumbed 9 years shorter after a brave recovery from cancer.

“I’m just learning that we lost a broadcasting, MSG and NYC media legend in Al Trautwig. When Al’s voice was the first you heard to start a pregame, no one made a local broadcast feel bigger. He was also as nice as they come. Sending every good thought and prayer to his family RIP,” ESPN’s Bob Wischusen posted on X. Sports fans are most familiar with him from his work on MSG Network as well as his contribution to ABC, NBC and USA Network. Trautwig won multiple New York Sports Emmys for his coverage of the Yankees, Knicks, and Rangers, spanning over 4 decades.

Another prominent voice of the NBA’s Knicks, Ed Cohen also paid tribute to Trautwig. The ESPN radio host added context to Trautwig’s methods during broadcasting. “Straight up, very few hosted a telecast or welcomed in an audience like Al Trautwig. The voice, writing, cadence – he made every event feel important. No BS. Taught a lot of people in the business how to hit the curve. Always felt surreal being in his orbit. RIP,” Cohen added. For those who’d like to relieve the immersive experience of his majestic commentary can look up ‘Al Trautwig’s MSG Vault’, which featured vintage and sometimes discovered lost footage of the Knicks and Rangers from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.

WNBC TV host, Bruce Beck, a long-time colleague of Trautwig remembered, “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.” The overwhelming emotions within and beyond the metropolitan city’s confinement only adds to the legend of the fallen star. At this time of extreme difficulty, the sports community is sending all its strength to the loved ones of one of the NBA’s all-time greats.