Monday marks a brand new period for ESPN New York.
The radio station is about to debut its first-ever all-local weekday lineup on Jan. 6, with Michael Kay’s solo version of “The Michael Kay Show” within the 1-3 p.m. time slot and Alan Hahn becoming a member of Don La Greca and Peter Rosenberg for a brand new present known as “Don, Hahn & Rosenberg” from 3-7 p.m.
The up to date programming on 880 AM comes somewhat over three weeks after the earlier iteration of “The Michael Kay Show” got here to an finish after 22 years, a transfer that permits Kay to spend extra time along with his household.
Earlier than the brand new exhibits formally launch, right here’s yet one more look again at among the finest moments within the historical past of “The Michael Kay Show.”
KAY EATS A WHOPPER
Kay’s specific weight loss plan was a recurring speaking level on the present, with condiments equivalent to ketchup and mayo among the many meals that repulsed the TV voice of the Yankees.
So when Kay misplaced the present’s NFL picks contest in 2018, his punishment was to eat a Whopper from Burger King on air.
A visibly disgusted Kay double-clutched, winced and hovered over a trash can as he struggled by the burger, needing about 10 minutes to complete it as Rosenberg and La Greca supplied commentary.
“I was overwhelmed by the ointment,” Kay stated after his preliminary chunk.
Kay’s struggling was captured on the YES Community simulcast in a section that went down as one of many present’s funniest.
ELITE ELI
Among the many most consequential interviews on the “Kay Show” got here in August 2011, when Kay requested then-Giants quarterback Eli Manning if he thought-about himself to be elite.
“Yeah, I think I am,” Manning replied.
Manning’s response turned a nationwide speaking level, prompting dialogue about whether or not the quarterback’s notion was correct.
Manning would go on to submit a career-high 4,933 passing yards that season, then lead the Giants to a Tremendous Bowl victory over the New England Patriots for the second time in 4 years, backing up his “Kay Show” declare in, nicely, elite trend.
GIL FROM BENSONHURST
Kay, La Greca and Rosenberg usually heard sizzling takes and half-baked opinions from callers, however few elicited a response just like the one by Gil from Bensonhurst in October 2019.
A day after Gary Sanchez struck out with the bases loaded within the first inning of an ALCS loss to the Houston Astros, Gil known as in to contend Yankees supervisor Aaron Boone ought to have pinch hit for the catcher.
The off-the-wall suggestion prompted Kay to immediately cling up, whereas La Greca snapped about nonsensical callers, repeatedly urging producer Andrew Gundling to “Screen them out!”
The catch?
“Gil” was really Rosenberg utilizing a faux voice in an instant-classic prank.
RAY FROM NORTH CAROLINA
One other name that spawned quite a few audio drops got here courtesy of Ray from North Carolina, who felt compelled to inform Kay how a lot he despised Rosenberg after the latter ate ice cream on air.
Ray repeatedly known as Rosenberg “sloppy” earlier than flat out telling him “I hate you” — a second that had Kay and Rosenberg doubled over in laughter.
The decision got here in July 2016, somewhat beneath a yr after Rosenberg joined the “Kay Show.”
On the time, Kay declared it the “best phone call” within the present’s historical past.
ED KRANEPOOL
La Greca garnered nationwide consideration for fairly just a few of his epic rants, however none resonated greater than his impassioned tackle Ed Kranepool and the Mets.
The 2018 rant stemmed from La Greca, a long-suffering Mets fan, bemoaning how his staff by no means had a “forever player” like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Derek Jeter or Aaron Choose of the Yankees.
David Wright acquired damage. Tom Seaver received his three hundredth recreation with the Chicago White Sox. Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden received championships with the Yankees.
The closest factor the Mets had, La Greca reasoned, was Kranepool, a well-liked however light-hitting first baseman/outfielder who spent his total 18-year profession with the group.
“There’s 90% of this audience right now that couldn’t pick Ed Kranepool out of a lineup!” La Greca declared, rising more and more animated.
“If Ed Kranepool picked them up at the airport, they’d say, ‘Hey dude, what’s your name? Can you take me to Midtown?’ … That’s your forever player! ED! BLEEPIN’! KRANEPOOL!”
