After the 2018 season, Ken Singleton will be leaving the broadcast booth.
The longtime YES Network analyst, who’s called Yankees games alongside play-by-play voice Michael Kay since 2002, announced on Twitter Monday morning that the upcoming baseball campaign will be his last as a broadcaster.
“LOOKOUT! This will be my final season of calling baseball games,” Singleton tweeted out. “I’ve been playing or talking baseball ever since I was 4 years old. It’s time for this enjoyable ride to end. Thanks fans for allowing me into your homes & businesses. It’s been my pleasure. #ThisOneIsGone”
LOOKOUT! 👀 This will be my final season of calling baseball games. I’ve been playing or talking baseball ever since I was 4 years old. It’s time for this enjoyable ride to end. Thanks fans for allowing me into your homes & businesses. It’s been my pleasure. #Thisoneisgone
— Ken Singleton (@29alltime) March 12, 2018
Although YES Network has several ex-Yankees on staff as analysts (Paul O’Neill, John Flaherty, David Cone, Al Leiter), Singleton is one of the prized outsiders. The 70-year-old New York native began his baseball career with the Mets in 1970, where he played for two seasons. His next three years were spent with the Montreal Expos, but Singleton blossomed as a right fielder with the Baltimore Orioles from 1975 until his retirement in 1984.
In 15 seasons, Singleton slashed .282/.388/.436 with 2,029 hits, and he also made three All-Star Game appearances. In 1979, he finished runner-up in the American League MVP race with 35 home runs, and in 1983, he won a world championship with Baltimore.
Retirement may be Singleton’s final decision, but Kay isn’t quite at peace with it.
“I’m finding this hard to accept,” Kay wrote on Twitter Monday. “I’ve known about it for awhile but I’ve been trying to change his mind. I’m not giving up in my quest. Twitterverse, please tell Kenny he should not step away following season. Too much more to give!”
I’m finding this hard to accept. I’ve known about it for awhile but I’ve been trying to change his mind. I’m not giving up in my quest. Twitterverse, please tell Kenny he should not step away following season. Too much more to give! https://t.co/YiZ20bG7Nr
— Michael Kay (@RealMichaelKay) March 12, 2018
Give me a moment to tell you about @29alltime : Ken Singleton is one of the finest people I have ever met. And that’s not just in the business. Always happy, treats everyone like gold, and loves his job. I’ve got to change his mind! Help me do it.
— Michael Kay (@RealMichaelKay) March 12, 2018
Singleton began his television work with the Yankees in 1997.
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