Michael Kay Chides Yankees Fans for Not Showing up to Old-Timers' Day

If you are fortunate enough to witness Dellin Betances and Todd Frazier back on the field at Yankee Stadium, it is highly recommended that you attend. Alas, many New York Yankees supporters seem to lack proper priorities, as evidenced by the numerous empty seats at this year's Old-Timers Day event at the House That Derek Jeter Built.

The presence of distinguished figures such as Adam Ottavino and David Weathers, who returned to pinstripes for yet another occasion, failed to generate the same level of enthusiasm as in previous years. Longtime Yankees media figure Michael Kay, who observed the diminished interest firsthand, discussed the matter on WEPN-FM's The Michael Kay Show on Monday.

Rather than criticizing the fans, Kay expressed his understanding of their diminished enthusiasm. "It's different than when I had that script in front of me in the mid-(1990s) and I'm introducing Yogi Berra, Joe DiMaggio, Phil Rizzuto, Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford," Kay remarked in a YouTube video. "These are all-time greats. The names and the games, they echo in the halls of Cooperstown."

Although this year's festivities were graced by the presence of Hall of Famers Reggie Jackson and Mariano Rivera, as well as core championship contributors such as Andy Pettitte and Bernie Williams, the overall excitement was lacking. Kay pointed out that the current roster lacks the awe-inspiring figures from decades past, such as Mantle and DiMaggio.

The absence of Derek Jeter, a figure who can evoke nostalgia similar to that of Mantle and DiMaggio, further contributed to the diminished atmosphere. While it is understandable that fans may prefer to witness current stars like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, Kay noted that the experience of watching past legends would be unparalleled in 2026.