Michael Kay Joins Animated Series ‘Bronx Bad’

Growing up in the ’60s and ’70s, Michael Kay, the broadcast voice for the Yankees, fondly remembers Saturday mornings spent watching his favorite cartoons like the Flintstones and Jetsons.

So, when the creative director of Yes Network approached him about taking part in the second season of a baseball-themed animated series available on the Gotham Sports app, it felt like a natural fit for him.

“Saturday was always a big deal,” Kay shared in an interview. “I really admire what Jesus is doing, and I think it’s fantastic to give a new generation of kids something to enjoy. I love these two things.”

In the upcoming season, which is set to premiere on August 9, Kay will have a significant role, alongside analyst John Flaherty, clubhouse reporter Meredith Marakowitz, and studio host Nancy Newman. The show follows a Bronx youth baseball team named Bronx Bad, focusing on characters Riv, Bash, and Oscar.

In this season, Kay will portray a heroic character who saves Bronx kids, while Flaherty will embody a baseball legend, and Marakowitz and Newman will take on reporter roles. Kay joked about feeling “a little jealous” during the first season when he wasn’t selected to participate.

Since the Yes Network’s launch in 2002, Kay has been a key voice, working from the network’s Stamford, Connecticut studio. Even at 64, this new project offers him a fresh perspective in the media business, despite being an experienced speaker.

The production team consulted Kay remotely via Zoom, explaining how they envisioned his character in the storyline, whether it was light-hearted or serious.

“When you watch it on TV, it seems like just a cartoon,” Kay remarked. “But the attention to detail and effort involved is impressive. The team truly puts their heart into making it right.”