In a move that certainly marks the end of an era, legendary New York Yankees play-by-play voice John Sterling has announced his abrupt retirement from the broadcasting booth.
Well-known throughout baseball, the 85-year-old Sterling has been the voice of the Yankees for the past 36 seasons.
MY CHILDHOOD IS HIGH, IT IS FAR, IT IS…. GONE!!!
— Jeremy Berman (@_SportsTruther) April 15, 2024
While his decision to step away comes as a surprise to many, Sterling simply felt it was time.
He will be honored in a special pregame ceremony this coming Saturday at Yankee Stadium ahead of the Bombers game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
This, for me, is peak John Sterling and as good as it gets for Pa Pinstripe.
– Old Yankee Stadium
– Crowd going crazy, nobody on phones
– Bernie Goes Boom
– Bern Baby Bern pic.twitter.com/B1lgmUocyn— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) April 16, 2024
“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.”
John Sterling 🐐 pic.twitter.com/8nTsMF6NWL
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) April 16, 2024
The tributes for Sterling came in fast and furious around the baseball world.
Fans, players and fellow media members know that Sterling was one of a kind and his unique broadcasting style is one that will never be replicated.
A legend
— Cashman Hater (@xBongking420x) April 15, 2024
“Fans find a certain comfort in the daily rhythms of baseball. Day in and day out, season after season, and city after city, John Sterling used his seat in the broadcast booth to bring Yankees fans the heartbeat of the game, employing an orotund voice and colorful personality that were distinctly, unmistakably his own,” the Yankees said in a statement.
“John informed and entertained, and he exemplified what it means to be a New Yorker with an unapologetic and boisterous style that exuded his passion for baseball, broadcasting and the New York Yankees.”
Easily. He was a mainstay during the dynasty of the 90s, we'd line up post season audio with him and kay during the post season, memories so much
— william D (@will759227) April 16, 2024
“There is no shortage of adjectives to describe John and what he means to this organization and our millions of fans around the world. But what makes John a goliath of the sports broadcasting world was how sacred he held his role as voice of the Yankees,” the statement continued.
“Showing up to perform virtually every single day since 1989, he 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.”
“We congratulate John on a remarkable and illustrious career. His contributions to this great game and to the Yankees franchise will echo long into the future,” the statement concluded.
Sterling’s illustrious career saw him call over 5,000 consecutive Yankees games at one point, and he became renowned for his pun-driven home run calls.
Sterling’s name became synonymous with the great Yankees teams of the 1990’s and early 2000’s, featuring iconic stars such as Derek Jeter, Paul O’Neill, Mariano Rivera, Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada and Tino Martinez.
In recognition of his remarkable career, Sterling was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018, cementing his status as a broadcasting legend.
As he steps away from the microphone, he leaves behind a lasting impact on the game of baseball and the hearts of Yankees fans worldwide.
Sterling was perhaps most well-known for his unique and comedic home run calls which he seemingly had for every single Yankee player on the roster, no matter how likely they were to go yard or not.
After enthusiastically declaring, “It’s high, it’s far, it’s gone!” Sterling would follow up with a personalized tagline for each Yankee who hit a home run.
Can't Tell The Story Of @Yankees Without The Great John Sterling
— Carmy (@OGKidCarmy) April 15, 2024
Here are some of his most popular and iconic home run calls…
Derek Jeter:
Along with Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter was the most decorated player Sterling ever covered in the Bronx.
Jeter was the Captain of the Yankees – or as Sterling called him, “El Capitan!”
Derek Jeter hit a HR for his 3000th hit on this day in 2011.
Here’s John Sterling’s call of a moment in Yankees history. pic.twitter.com/ifeA06uCSV
— Gershon Rabinowitz (@GershOnline) July 9, 2023
Bernie Williams:
The clutch Williams seemingly always came through when it mattered most.
“Bern baby Bern!” Sterling exclaimed numerous times…
Robinson Cano:
During his time with the Yankees from 2005 to 2013, Cano belted 204 home runs. Sterling got creative with rhymes, proclaiming, “Robby Cano — dontcha know!”
Alex Rodriguez:
The polarizing superstar played for the Yankees from 2004 to 2016.
Sterling’s call was direct and impactful: “An A-bomb from A-Rod!”
Jorge Posada:
Throughout his entire big-league career with the Yankees from 1995 to 2011, Posada left Sterling excitedly exclaiming, “Jorgie juiced one!” whenever the five-time All-Star went yard.
Mark Teixeira:
Teixeira, a Yankee from 2009 to 2016, earned one of Sterling’s most clever wordplays: “You’re on the mark, Teixeira! … He sent a Tex message!”
Aaron Judge:
Since joining the Yankees in 2016, Judge has given Sterling plenty of opportunities to shine, especially in 2022 when he set a new American League record with 62 homers.
Sterling’s iconic call? “All rise! Here comes the Judge!”
John Sterling’s call of Aaron Judge’s record breaking #62 home run 🙌 pic.twitter.com/GNUQ7T7c0S
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) April 15, 2024
Gio Urshela:
Even utility infielder Urshela, who played for the Yankees from 2019 to 2021, received Sterling’s unique treatment.
Sterling broke into song when Urshela went yard: “Gio Urshela, the most happy fella!” emphasizing the “most happy fella” part.
Gleyber Torres:
Since 2018, Torres has showcased his power for the Yankees.
Sterling’s nod to Allstate’s slogan for Torres’ homers? “Like a good Gleyber, Torres is there!”
📽️: John Sterling's call of Gleyber Torres' solo HR last night. #SubwaySeries #PinstripePride pic.twitter.com/RRVbROBnlf
— Pinstripe Lanes Podcast (@PinstripeLanes) June 10, 2018
Jason Giambi:
During Giambi’s tenure with the Yankees from 2002 to 2008, Sterling paid homage to Babe Ruth with a concise nod, dubbing him the “Giambino” when he homered.
Hideki Matsui:
Whenever Matsui homered for the Yankees, Sterling drew parallels to the famous boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
His call? “A thrilla from Godzilla!”
All love for John Sterling pic.twitter.com/WdMzZYKm69
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) April 16, 2024
These are just some of the many Sterling calls throughout his legendary broadcasting tenure.
What are your top three favorites?
With Sterling now retired, who do you think is the best broadcaster in all of baseball???