Yankees make rare change to PA booth for first time since new stadium opened
For the first time since the current Yankee Stadium opened in 2009, Paul Olden won't be behind the microphone this weekend.
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The Yankees announced that Olden will miss the team's three-game series against the Cubs (July 11–13) due to a scheduled personal obligation. His absence marks the end—at least temporarily—of a remarkable streak: Olden has served as the public address announcer for every Yankees home game (regular and postseason) since the Stadium opened, a run of 1,339 games through Wednesday night's series finale against Seattle.
The only exception before now came in 2020, when the Yankees played two 'home' games in San Diego during the ALDS against Tampa Bay. Petco Park's in-house staff handled those games.
This weekend, the voice of the Bronx will belong to Mark Fratto, a veteran announcer with deep New York ties. Fratto is currently the PA voice of New York City FC and also works with the Washington Wizards and Commanders. He's been a familiar voice at Madison Square Garden for boxing and college basketball since 2008 and is part of Golden Boy Boxing broadcasts.
Olden, who famously opened his first Yankees game with, 'Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen... and welcome to the new Yankee Stadium,' will return after the Cubs series. His run behind the mic is one of the most consistent presences in a ballpark known for history—and history-makers.
For one weekend, though, the streak gets a breather.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
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