Iconic Mariners broadcaster Dave Sims leaving to become voice of the Yankees

SEATTLE — Dave Sims, the longtime Mariners broadcaster revered for his passionate calls, is leaving the Pacific Northwest to become the next lead radio announcer for the New York Yankees.

Sims has been with the Mariners since 2007, when he joined legendary broadcasters Dave Niehaus and Rick Rizzs in Seattle.

"By now you've probably heard the news, I'm coming home to New York," Sims said in an Instagram video addressed to Mariners fans. "I thoroughly enjoyed my 18 years in Seattle."

"I loved becoming part of Mariner Nation in the great Pacific Northwest," Sims added. "So many great memories, so many good people, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for having this interloper coming in and being part of your culture."

Sims is loved by many Mariners fans for countless calls throughout big moments in Mariners history.

Sims was on the call for Félix Hernández's perfect game and when Cal Raleigh hit a walk-off home run to end the Mariners playoff drought from 2001 to 2022.

The dream lives! They're going to the playoffs!" Sims exclaimed as he announced Raleigh's legendary homer. "The drought is over!"

Fans also heard Sims' voice in complete excitement when Mitch Haniger hit a winning single to give the Mariners a chance to make the playoffs down the stretch in the 2021 season.

Sims coined nicknames for players, like referring to Nelson Cruz as "Boomstick."

"I really enjoyed it and I wish everybody in Seattle and the great Pacific Northwest all the best," Sims said. "Go Mariners, and go Yankees."

Sims was a three-time winner of the Washington Sportscaster of the Year, according to his X page.

Sims has been a big supporter of preserving the history of Black players and contributors in baseball. He was the broadcaster for the inaugural HBCU Swingman Classic at T-Mobile Park during All-Star Weekend when Seattle hosted the midsummer classic in 2023.

Sims will replace 86-year-old John Sterling, who has been the Yankees radio broadcaster for 36 years. Sterling retired in April, a few weeks into the 2024 season, but returned to announce the end of the regular season and the postseason.

WFAN in New York announced the news Thursday and said the 71-year-old Sims will work with beloved color analyst Suzyn Waldman on Yankees broadcasts.

Mariners broadcaster Aaron Goldsmith will presumably take over the full-time TV role alongside Mike Blowers. Goldsmith and Sims had traded off on television and worked with Rizzs on the radio broadcast.

Goldsmith was hired to join the Mariners booth in 2013.

Sims is from Philadelphia and has spent time working in New York City.