New York, NY – After an illustrious career spanning 64 years, legendary New York Yankees radio voice John Sterling has announced his retirement, effective immediately. The beloved broadcaster has been the voice of the Yankees since 1989, delivering countless memorable calls that have captured the hearts of generations of fans.
Sterling, 85, reportedly made the decision due to health concerns. In a recent interview, he acknowledged that he was “near the end” of his career, but did not provide a specific timeline. The Yankees announced that Sterling will be honored with a special ceremony during their Saturday game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
“I am a very blessed human being,” Sterling said in a statement. “I have been able to do what I wanted, broadcasting for 64 years. As a little boy growing up in New York as a Yankees fan, I was able to broadcast the Yankees for 36 years. It’s all to my benefit, and I leave very, very happy. I look forward to seeing everyone again on Saturday.”
Sterling’s legacy as the voice of the Yankees is unparalleled. His signature calls, such as “Theeeeeee Yankees win!” after each victory, have become synonymous with the team. He has witnessed and called some of the most memorable moments in Yankees history, including multiple World Series titles.
“It is high, it is far, it is gone!” Sterling’s famous home run call has been heard by millions of fans over the decades. He also created personalized calls for each player, such as “It’s an A-bomb from A-Rod” for Alex Rodriguez and “Here comes the Judge!” for Aaron Judge.
Sterling’s impact on the game of baseball extends far beyond the Yankees. His infectious enthusiasm and witty commentary have made him a beloved figure throughout the sport. His memorable calls have not only captured the excitement of the game but also evoked nostalgia and a sense of community for fans.
The Yankees organization expressed its deep gratitude for Sterling’s contributions: “John Sterling was a pillar for Yankees fans who relied on the comfort and familiarity of his voice to be the soundtrack of their spring, summer and fall. Given the tremendous care he had for the team and his performance on the air, it’s not a stretch to believe that our fans live and die with every pitch because John Sterling did the same.”
Sterling’s retirement marks the end of an era for the Yankees and baseball fans alike. His unique voice and unwavering passion for the game will be deeply missed. However, his legacy will continue to resonate through the countless moments he made unforgettable.
WFAN, the station where Sterling’s signature calls have graced the airwaves for decades, released a statement honoring his remarkable career: “Yankees radio will never quite sound the same without the signature voice, wit and humor of John Sterling.”
As the Yankees begin a new chapter without Sterling, they will forever remember the indelible mark he made on the team, the city of New York, and the game of baseball.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
