When Aaron Judge steps into the Yankee Stadium batter’s box, all eyes zero in on the three-time AL MVP, but for Troy Benjamin, lead producer for the YES Network telecasts, there is but one goal.
“Get the business out of the way and make sure you don’t screw up this at-bat because something great might happen,” said Benjamin with a laugh, El jefe of the production truck. This year marks the network’s 25th year, and he’s been there since day one. “I didn’t think it would last 25 years to be honest with you,” he said, adding, “It’s been a wonderful journey.”
Benjamin took over as lead producer for Yankee telecasts in 2021. He learned from the best, former executive producer John J. Filippelli.
He told him, “You’re in charge. I’m not going to call anybody if anything goes wrong. If anything happens, I’m coming toward you.”
Born in Antigua in the West Indies, Benjamin lived in the Bronx for two years, then moved to Harlem. He attended Cardinal Spellman High School in the Bronx and earned his Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism, Radio, and Television from West Virginia University.
The 10-time New York Emmy Award winner learned his craft starting as a production assistant at WWOR, MSG Networks, and ABC Sports. When he arrived in the U.S., he played a sport synonymous with the Caribbean — cricket.
“I was a huge cricket head,” admitted the single Benjamin, who now calls Greenwich, CT, home. “I ran track, played football and baseball (right where Yankee Stadium sits today), but I couldn’t hit.
“That’s why baseball is the hardest sport out there.”
Benjamin’s foundation was developed by Filippelli who told him to use the Three Ss — Stars, Storyline, and Strategy.
“He told me, ‘I don’t care if a star like Mike Trout is not playing. It doesn’t matter. … Tell the story,’” recalled Benjamin.
The Yankees broadcast team has been condensed from last year with Michael Kay still doing the play-by-play along with Meredith Marakovits handling the pre-, post-, and in-game work with their seasoned director, Dan Barr.
The voices from the booth are all former Yankees. There’s ex-manager Joe Girardi, pitcher David Cone, and outfielder Paul O’Neill. The general of the booth is Kay, the long-time TV voice of the Yankees, who’s in lock step with Benjamin.
“I’ve never seen him rattled,” admitted Kay. “We’ve had some big moments that we’ve had to cover. He just doesn’t scare easily.”
They got off to a “rocky” start when Kay switched from writing for the New York Post to the Daily News. Benjamin didn’t like it and he let Kay know it outside the stadium’s press entrance.
“He started reading me the riot act about changing papers,” said Kay about the then 13-year-old Benjamin. Now they’re broadcast brothers.
Benjamin is responsible for developing the telecast’s graphic innovations like Bullpen Availability, Home Plate Umpire Information, and the always fun Name That Yankee quiz.
Not to mention the stylistic use of the aerial drone showcasing the Big Ball Orchard in the South Bronx
The Yankees are in his blood, but so are all sports.
“I used to listen to Art Rust Jr.’s ‘Sports-talk’ show when I was a kid. That was my guy,” he said, “and I used to read Howie Evans in the Amsterdam.”
Benjamin likes to relax with “Movies. I love eating at good restaurants and I love clothes. You know, the Harlem in me,” he said.
Both he and Kay are life-long Yankee fans, but in describing Benjamin, Kay paused and simply said that he is, “Intuitive, brilliant, and always in control.”
That, friends, is a lead producer.