Waldman begins 25th season

Here is a story I wrote about Suzyn Waldman as she begins her 25th season covering the Yankees, and the final year of her contract.

In other Yankees media news . . .

Paul O’Neill long has had the potential to be YES’ answer to SNY’s Keith Hernandez – gravitas as the heart and soul of championship teams, plus a quirky sense of humor that enlivens a booth.

(Also, both starred in long-ago “Seinfeld’’ episodes.)

But O’Neill has worked a severely limited schedule to be home with his family in Ohio. Now that his children are getting older, though, O’Neill seems willing to expand his role.

This season he is to work about 45 games, his most ever, and YES hopes that number grows further in coming years.

David Cone will return to the network this season after a one-year absence. He is to work about half as many games as O’Neill.