New York Talk Show Host Switches MLB Allegiance from Mets to Yankees

Longtime WABC Radio host Sid Rosenberg cites Mets' 'woke' politics as reason for change

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:58pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric planes in the colors of the New York Mets and Yankees, depicting a baseball game or match between the two teams, with the players' uniforms and equipment recognizable but their faces and identities obscured.A fractured, cubist depiction of the heated rivalry between the New York Mets and Yankees, as one high-profile fan switches allegiances amid growing political divisions in sports.NYC Today

Longtime New York talk show host Sid Rosenberg announced this week that he has switched his MLB allegiance from the New York Mets to the New York Yankees. Rosenberg cited the Mets' perceived 'woke' politics, including their handling of players who support former President Trump and the team's connection to a controversial political figure, as the reasons behind his decision.

Why it matters

Rosenberg's high-profile switch from the Mets to the Yankees highlights the growing political divisions that have crept into sports fandom, as some fans choose teams based on perceived political leanings rather than just on-field performance. This could further polarize the New York baseball rivalry and impact team loyalties.

The details

Rosenberg, who hosts a show on WABC Radio, announced his change of allegiance on social media this week. He cited the Mets' decision to part ways with players who support former President Trump, as well as the team's connection to Mamdani, a controversial political figure, as the reasons behind his switch. Rosenberg also praised the Yankees for honoring the late conservative commentator Charlie Kirk and hosting former President Trump at a game.

  • On April 18, 2026, Rosenberg announced his switch from the Mets to the Yankees on social media.
  • Rosenberg's announcement came just days after the Mets hosted Mamdani, a controversial political figure, and the team's decision to part ways with several players who support former President Trump.

The players

Sid Rosenberg

A longtime New York talk show host on WABC Radio who has announced he is switching his MLB allegiance from the New York Mets to the New York Yankees.

Francisco Lindor

A shortstop for the New York Mets whose wife, Katia, was named to the inaugural committee of Mamdani, a controversial political figure.

Randy Levine

The president of the New York Yankees, who Rosenberg said gifted him Yankees jerseys as part of his transition to becoming a Yankees fan.

Mamdani

A controversial political figure who was hosted by the New York Mets, leading to Rosenberg's decision to switch his allegiance to the Yankees.

Charlie Kirk

A conservative commentator who was honored with a moment of silence by the New York Yankees, which Rosenberg cited as a reason for his switch.

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What they’re saying

“So the Yankees hosted the great [president] and did a beautiful tribute for the late, great [Charlie Kirk]. The Mets allow their announcers to s— on the late great Charlie, dealt away players who support Trump and celebrate a shortstop who's [sic] wife works with the terrorist sympathizer. Seems like a pretty easy choice to me! Let's Go Yankees (sorry Dad)”

— Sid Rosenberg, Talk Show Host

“You can turn on your President. You can turn on your city. You can turn on your country. You can turn on religion. You can turn on your family. But you can NEVER turn on your sports teams! Now do you realize how STUPID so many of you sound?”

— Sid Rosenberg, Talk Show Host

What’s next

Rosenberg's switch to the Yankees is expected to be a major storyline in the New York baseball rivalry going forward, as fans and media continue to debate the role of politics in sports fandom.

The takeaway

Rosenberg's high-profile switch from the Mets to the Yankees underscores the growing political divisions that have seeped into sports, as some fans now choose teams based on perceived political leanings rather than just on-field performance. This could further polarize the New York baseball rivalry and impact team loyalties in the years to come.