In a fascinating revelation during ESPN New York's 25th anniversary celebration, Michael Kay shared insights into the network's initial plans to pair him with tennis legend John McEnroe. This discussion took place during a two-hour reunion show featuring Kay and his long-time collaborator Don La Greca.
La Greca holds the distinction of being the first local voice on 1050 ESPN Radio when it launched, and he later joined Kay as a full-time co-host in 2002. However, before La Greca became a staple of the show, ESPN had its sights set on McEnroe for a potential partnership with Kay. Kay recounted how the network had orchestrated secret meetings to discuss this pairing, referring to it as their dream collaboration.
“It all might not have happened,” Kay remarked about his eventual partnership with La Greca. He described how ESPN arranged a covert meeting near Madison Square Garden, instructing both him and McEnroe to enter through different entrances to avoid media scrutiny. This secrecy underscored the network's excitement about the potential show, dubbed 'Mac and Kay.'
During this clandestine meeting, Kay recalled a casual conversation with McEnroe, where he mentioned a Major League Baseball player he believed was using cocaine. McEnroe's enthusiastic response, suggesting that such topics would be perfect for their show, was met with Kay's firm rejection. Kay explained that discussing sensitive subjects like that could lead to immediate termination from the airwaves, highlighting the stark differences in their broadcasting philosophies.
Negotiations between ESPN and McEnroe stretched over several months, but ultimately, the talks fizzled out. McEnroe's desire to broadcast from his home in the Hamptons and his need for time off during tennis majors proved to be significant hurdles. As a result, the potential partnership never materialized.
La Greca later reflected on the decision not to sign McEnroe, labeling it one of the top five defining moments for ESPN New York. He argued that while 'Mac and Kay' might have attracted initial attention, the dynamic required a co-host who could seamlessly fill in for Kay during his absences, particularly during Yankees games. La Greca's ability to step in during those moments ultimately made him the right choice for the show.
Despite not being ESPN's first choice, La Greca quickly became a beloved figure among listeners. His role evolved as he became the reliable co-host who could manage the show in Kay's absence, even if he never received official recognition in the show's title. This partnership has since become a hallmark of ESPN Radio, demonstrating how sometimes the best outcomes arise from unexpected circumstances.
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