The Female Voices Behind the New York Yankees

In honor of Women’s History Month, let’s talk about the women behind one of the greatest baseball franchises: the New York Yankees.

Suzyn Waldman

Courtesy of Simmons University

Twenty years ago, Suzyn Waldman made history when she debuted as the first female color analyst on New York Yankees radio alongside play-by-play broadcaster John Sterling. Waldman not only became the first woman in the role but also the first woman ever heard on the WFAN “The Fan” Radio. Additionally, she became the first female play-by-play announcer on both radio and television networks. 

Waldman went from the Broadway stage with a successful musical theater career to the Radio Hall of Fame in 2022 (deservedly so). Aside from being inducted, she has won many awards including the International Radio Award, as well as being inducted into the New York State Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame. 

Waldman has been serving Yankees fans on the WFAN for decades and is loved by the community over her decorated career. I will always remember listening to her and Sterling on the radio in the car when I was a little girl. 

Meredith Marakovits 

Courtesy of New York Times

My favorite female baseball broadcaster, Meredith Marakovits, has been the Yankees’ clubhouse reporter on the YES Network since 2012. I had the privilege of speaking with and interviewing her to ask about her line of work since she is what I aspire to be. 

Aside from clubhouse reporting, Marakovits has many roles with the YES Network. She frequently does sideline reporting as she hosts Yankees Batting Practice All-Access shows, pre- and post-game shows, Yankees Hot Stove, and assists play-by-play announcers in the broadcasting booth during games.

In 2019, Marakovits was named to the “Top Women in Sports” list by the trade organization Cynopsis. The Cynopsis frequently recognizes female trailblazers in the industry. Marakovits won an Emmy in 2024 for her vital role with the YES Network, covering the Yankees all season long

Marakovits is an integral part of the YES Network broadcasting crew. She is truly an inspiration to myself and to other women looking to break into the industry. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to speak and form a connection with her.

Nancy Newman

Courtesy of Instagram

Nancy Newman is another Emmy-Award winning female broadcaster, who joined the YES Network in 2003. She is the Yankees’ Batting Practice Today Host, as well as pre- and post-game studio anchor. She also frequently hosts Brooklyn Nets’ pre- and post- game shows for YES. 

Newman is a seven-time Emmy Award winner and has served as the master of ceremonies for the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame inductions, as well as several other ceremonies. She also frequently hosts the YES Network’s Yankees Magazine program, where they go behind the scenes of the Yankees.

Newman has had a variety of reporting roles before joining the YES Network, including her roles with CNN, Sports Illustrated, and NBC. She has extensive experience in the broadcasting fields and is a talented host for the Yankees.

These three incredible women have been serving the Yankees community for years and are deeply appreciated by fans and their colleagues. They are the only women among a predominantly male broadcasting team, which makes them stand out. They are some of my absolute favorite women in sports and I look up to each of them a tremendous amount. I hope to be in their shoes one day.