John Sterling, the legendary New York Yankees broadcaster for 36 seasons, breathed his last at the age of 87.
New York-based WFAN Sports Radio announced Sterling’s death on Monday.
“We are devastated to hear about the passing of John Sterling, a WFAN and Yankees radio icon whose voice was synonymous with an entire generation of Yankee fandom,” WFAN said in a statement.
Sterling joined the Yankees broadcast in 1989, marking the beginning of the legendary era.
For more than three decades, Sterling was the constant soundtrack of Yankees baseball. His streak continued until an unexpected retirement in early April 2024. In 35 years of iconic career, Sterling covered a total of 5,631 Yankees, cementing his legacy as a broadcast icon during both regular season and playoff runs.
Sterling also broadcast 24 Yankees postseason runs, including seven World Series appearances and five championship victories.
Known for his iconic victory call, “The Yankees win,” and his personal home run calls, he spent the last two decades in the booth alongside his longtime partner, Suzyn Waldman.
The fans and celebrities also mourned the death of the legendary Yankees broadcaster. ESPN New York wrote: “An era of New York Yankees baseball is remembered by its voice. John Sterling’s passion and energy left a lasting mark on the game. Gone, but never forgotten. Rest in peace, John.”
New York Post columnist Jon Heyman also paid tribute: “John Sterling was a great announcer and always a pleasure to be around. RIP.”
Andrew Marchand, sports media columnist for The Athletic, said: “John Sterling had a legendary career and life. I always hesitate to say there will never be another. In this case, I think it’s true. May he rest in peace.”
