Legendary New York Yankees radio voice John Sterling, 85, announced his retirement due to health concerns, effective immediately. Sterling, who has been broadcasting for 64 years, will be honored by the Yankees during a ceremony at Yankee Stadium on Saturday. The signature voice of WFAN and known for his catchphrases like “Theeeeeee Yankees win,” Sterling has been a beloved companion to generations of Bronx Bombers fans. Despite the opportunity to work in a reduced role, Sterling has decided to step away from broadcasting for good, citing health concerns that limited his travel during the regular season.
Since 1989, Sterling has been the voice of the Yankees, announcing their multiple World Series titles and delivering iconic calls like “It is high, it is far, it is gone!” followed by specific player-specific catchphrases like “It’s an A-bomb from A-Rod” and “Here comes the Judge!” for Aaron Judge. The Yankees expressed their gratitude for Sterling’s contributions, highlighting his commitment to the team and the fans. Known for his orotund voice and colorful personality, Sterling brought the heartbeat of the game to fans day in and day out, reflecting his passion for baseball, broadcasting, and the New York Yankees.
WFAN, the station where Sterling’s voice has been a staple for years, also released a statement praising his wit, humor, and iconic career. Despite never wearing the pinstripes on the field, Sterling became one of the most colorful personalities in Yankees history and New York City radio. Fans have found comfort in Sterling’s daily rhythms of baseball, tuning in season after season to hear his distinct voice and entertaining commentary. With Sterling’s departure, Yankees radio will never quite sound the same, marking the end of an era for both the team and its fans who have relied on his familiar voice for decades.
David cone said, “When you heard John, you knew it was time for baseball. he was a beloved companion to yankees fans. The Yankees acknowledged the impact of Sterling’s 32-year career, thanking him for his contributions to the organization and the millions of fans around the world. Despite the challenges of broadcasting on a daily basis, Sterling’s dedication to his role as the voice of the Yankees never wavered, providing fans with the comfort and familiarity of his voice as the soundtrack of their spring, summer, and fall seasons. His replacement on WFAN, Justin Shackil, and Emmanuel Berbari, are expected to fill the void left by Sterling’s departure.
