# Yankees Announcer Dave Sims Stands Firm on Family Time Amid Criticism
Yankees radio announcer **Dave Sims** has made headlines after taking time off to visit his son, leading to mixed reactions among sports commentators. While some fans commend his dedication to family, others question his timing, especially given that he’s only recently taken over as the voice of the Yankees.
## Dave Sims’ Break Explained
In a recent appearance on the **Awful Announcing podcast**, Sims discussed why he chose to step away from calling the latest Yankees series against the Oakland Athletics.
– **Family First**: Sims emphasized that family matters take precedence, especially given the geographical distance. “I have a son in Seattle. The three games I skipped were in Sacramento, and this was the only chance to see him for a while,” he explained.
– **Industry Norm**: He also noted that broadcasters frequently take time off during the season, stating, “It’s not like I took time off Labor Day in the middle of a pennant race.”
## Criticism from Boomer Esiason
**Boomer Esiason**, Sims’ colleague at WFAN, voiced his concerns over Sims taking a break so early in his Yankees tenure. Esiason was incredulous that Sims, at 72 years old, decided to step back just 40 games into the season.
### Key Points from Esiason’s Comments:
– **Timing is Everything**: “What are you doing? You just took the Yankee job! It’s supposed to be the job of your life,” Esiason remarked.
– **Offseason Availability**: He suggested there would be ample opportunity in the offseason for family time, urging Sims to focus on his new role.
## Sims’ Response to Critics
Sims defended his decision, explaining that the radio station provided him with flexibility regarding his schedule. “The radio station said, ‘Fine, you have X amount of days off,’” he shared, indicating that management supported his choice to prioritize family.
### Sims’ Perspective:
– **Support from Management**: Sims received affirmations for his decision, highlighting a supportive environment for broadcasters who often juggle personal and professional responsibilities.
– **Prioritizing Family**: For Sims, maintaining a connection with his son outweighed the concerns voiced by critics like Esiason.
## Balancing Professional Responsibilities and Family
In the professional sports world, balancing career and family can be challenging. Here are some considerations:
– **Industry Flexibility**: Many broadcasters prioritize family time during non-critical moments within the season.
– **Colleague Support**: Having a supportive workplace can make a significant difference in managing these dual responsibilities.
## Conclusion
Dave Sims’ situation sheds light on the often-overlooked challenges faced by sports broadcasters. While opinions differ on the appropriateness of taking time off early in a new role, Sims stands by his decision to prioritize family, a perspective many may resonate with. As the 2023 season unfolds, fans and colleagues alike will be watching to see how Sims continues to navigate his dual roles as a father and an esteemed Yankees announcer.
For more insights on sports announcing and personal stories from the industry, visit [Awful Announcing](https://awfulannouncing.com) and [WFAN](https://www.wfan.com).
