Legendary New York Yankees broadcaster John Sterling is retiring after 36 seasons on the job, the team announced Monday:
New York Yankees @YankeesThe New York Yankees today announced that legendary Yankees play-by-play radio voice John Sterling, who has called 5,420 regular season Yankees games and 211 postseason Yankees games, is retiring effective immediately. He will be recognized in a pregame ceremony on Saturday,… <a href="">
Sterling released the following statement, per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com:
"I am a very blessed human being. 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."
The team also released a statement:
Bill Shaikin @BillShaikinYankees say legendary radio voice John Sterling is retiring "effective immediately." <a href="">
Pete Caldera of NorthJersey.com first reported Sterling confirming his plans to retire.
According to that report, "Sterling had already planned a limited schedule in 2024, taking off most road games except the nearest East coast cities," but will be calling it quits early in the season.
According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, both Yankees and WFAN officals were expecting Monday's news due to "health concerns," adding that "the team and the station have left it up to Sterling, leaving the possibility he could change his mind."
Sterling is expected to be replaced by Justin Shackil and Emmanuel Berbari on WFAN's radio calls, while Suzyn Waldman will join them on the road.
Much in the way Vin Scully was the voice of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Harry Kalas was the voice of the Philadelphia Phillies and Harry Caray was the voice of the Chicago Cubs, John Sterling was the voice of the Yankees.
Jimmy Randazzo @JimmyRandazzoJohn Sterling.<br><br>Hall of Fame announcer. <br><br>Legend.<br><br>Charisma.<br><br>Beast. <a href="">
Jeremy Schneider @J_SchneiderSay whatever you want about John Sterling. Dude was the voice of my childhood, and many others. Can't imagine Yankee baseball without him. An absolute legend. If he's retiring, he will be sorely missed.
Nick Stellini @StelliniTweetsJohn Sterling is the voice of baseball to me. I grew up listening to him. He was a constant. People rag on him for the silly home run calls and miscalculations, but the man is absolutely the GOAT in my book. His endless well of baseball stories taught me so much. What a legend.
Spike Eskin @SpikeEskinJohn Sterling is the greatest. Enjoy retirement, 🐐
His elongated and vibrational "The Yankees win" calls after victories were his trademark, alongside custom home run calls for individual players. And his tenure corresponded with a number of great Yankees teams, highlighted by the Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Bernie Williams, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada years.
