John Sterling, the beloved voice of the New York Yankees for 36 seasons, has died at the age of 87. Sterling, who called over 5,000 regular-season and postseason games for the Yankees, was known for his distinctive catchphrases and enthusiastic style.
A Legendary Career
Sterling began his broadcasting career in the 1960s and joined the Yankees in 1989. He became a staple of the team's radio broadcasts, working alongside analysts such as Michael Kay and Suzyn Waldman. His signature home run call, "It is high, it is far, it is gone!" became synonymous with Yankees baseball.
Memorable Moments
Sterling called some of the most iconic moments in Yankees history, including Derek Jeter's final game at Yankee Stadium and the team's World Series victories in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2009. He also created personalized home run calls for many players, such as "A-Bomb" for Alex Rodriguez and "The Judge's Chambers" for Aaron Judge.
Beyond his work with the Yankees, Sterling was a fixture on New York sports radio and covered other sports, including basketball and football. He was inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2020.
Reaction and Legacy
The Yankees organization released a statement expressing their sadness, calling Sterling "the voice of summer for generations of Yankees fans." Many current and former players also paid tribute, with Aaron Judge saying, "He made every game feel special."
Sterling's impact on baseball broadcasting is immeasurable. His energetic style and memorable phrases have left an indelible mark on the sport. He is survived by his wife and two children.
