David Waldstein

I am a reporter on the Metro desk for The New York Times, writing about the greater New York region with an emphasis on sports.

What I Cover

I report on how people play, watch and interact with sports and games of all kinds.

My Background

I have been a sportswriter for over 25 years, covering every sport from baseball and tennis to the Paralympics. I have written about baseball in the Czech Republic, why the minor leagues of tennis are a farce, about a gym in Toronto providing safe boxing training for trans people, and how a former N.H.L fighter sought answers to his brain health. I even wrote about Scrabble. I have also written extensively about the wild and passionate world of New York sports — gamblers riding bikes over the George Washington Bridge to place bets before online betting was legal in New York; about immigrants from Ecuador bringing their own brand of volleyball to the city; and how the U.S. Open has almost no connection to the local community in Queens.

I started at The Boston Herald, moved to The New York Post and then The Newark Star-Ledger. I grew up in Boston and attended the University of Michigan.

Journalistic Ethics

As a Times journalist, I share the values and adhere to the standards of integrity outlined in our Ethical Journalism Handbook. I am dedicated to an accurate and fair representation of all the people, institutions and events I cover, and to protecting sources. I don’t accept favors — no tickets, meals or freebies — and we don’t root for any teams or politicians. Every assignment is a chance to tell an accurate story while offering respect and empathy to everyone involved.

Contact Me

X: @DavidWaldstein
Instagram: @DavidWaldstein
Anonymous tips: nytimes.com/tips

Featured

CreditEmma Howells for The New York Times

Latest

What Happened When the Skating Coaches Wanted a Union
A group of figure skating coaches at Chelsea Piers in Manhattan, many of whom earn less than $40,000 a year, sought to bargain their contracts collectively. Two were fired.
By David Waldstein
New York’s Newest Hockey Team Has Everything but a Name and Home Ice
The fledgling Professional Women’s Hockey League is booming — except in New York, where the team is in last place. But the players haven’t given up.
By David Waldstein and Mimi d’Autremont
After 5,631 Yankees Games, John Sterling Calls His Own Walk-Off
The WFAN announcer was known for his catchphrase, “It is high! It is far! It is gone!” His last game was on Monday.
By David Waldstein
New York City Is Closer to Getting Its First Soccer Stadium
The City Council voted to allow the New York City Football Club to build a facility for its team in Willets Point, Queens, across the street from Citi Field.
By David Waldstein
Inside the Massive Repair Shops Where Subway Cars Go for a Makeover
An in-depth look at the process that overhauls every single wheel, motor, brake, axel, wire and door on every car in the New York City system.
By Christopher Payne and David Waldstein
‘New York New Jersey’ Got the World Cup Final. Now Comes the Hard Part.
Officials are already preparing for the logistical challenge of hosting eight games of the immensely popular soccer tournament at MetLife Stadium.
By David Waldstein
Not a Priest, Not a Man, but Ready to Run Fordham
Tania Tetlow is the first woman and layperson to lead the Jesuit university in its 182-year history. It’s not the first time she’s done this.
By David Waldstein
You Can Buy Hemingway’s Typewriter. But Would You Use It?
Coming to auction is a clattering collection of machines once owned by the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Shirley Temple, Andy Rooney and … the Unabomber.
By David Waldstein and Desiree Rios
Would You Pay $175,000 for a Luxury Bunker at the U.S. Open?
A new poll sent to previous luxury suite attendees tests the appetite for even more luxury options at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
By David Waldstein
Why Run the New York City Marathon When You Can Drive It?
You’re not going to catch the elite runners. But if you can get over the traffic, the scenery is terrific. And the doughnuts aren’t bad either.
By David Waldstein and Jonah Markowitz