Little League® International expresses its sorrow over the death of Al Trautwig, a revered sports broadcaster who provided coverage of the Little League Baseball® World Series (LLBWS) from 1986 to 1990, at the age of 68.
Born in Long Island, Trautwig had an early introduction to sports, beginning his journey as a stick boy for the New York Islanders and a ball boy for the New York Nets. His career in sports broadcasting began in the 1980s with play-by-play commentary for the NHL on the USA Network, leading to his role as host of SportsNite on ABC Sports.
Before his rise in broadcasting, Trautwig played baseball in Garden City South Little League in West Hempstead, New York. A heartwarming reunion in 2018 with his former coach, Joe Van Wiegh, highlighted his deep ties to the community where his passion for baseball first flourished.
In 1986, Trautwig joined the LLBWS as an on-air broadcaster, sharing the booth with such legends as Johnny Bench and Reggie Jackson. Notably, he was behind the mic during the remarkable 1989 championship game in which National Little League from Trumbull, Connecticut, triumphed over Kang-Tu Little League from Taiwan. He played a crucial role in enlivening the experience for fans, both in the stadium and at home.
In addition to his Little League work, Trautwig had a profound impact on the MSG Network for over three decades, covering the New York Yankees, Knicks, and Rangers. His impressive track record includes coverage of 16 Olympic games across major networks, garnering recognition that includes 28 New York Sports Emmys and four National Emmys. He was honored as New York Sportscaster of the Year in 2000.
Al Trautwig is survived by his wife, Cathy, and their son, Alex, and leaves behind a legacy cherished by his family and the Little League community. His passionate contributions to sports broadcasting will continue to resonate with fans and aspiring broadcasters alike.