John Sterling, the iconic radio play-by-play voice of the New York Yankees for over three decades, has died at the age of 87.
Sterling underwent heart bypass surgery this winter and was attended by healthcare aides at his home in Edgewater, New Jersey following the procedure.
The Yankees expressed their grief with a statement: “We mourn the loss of legendary broadcaster John Sterling. Our thoughts are with John’s family, friends and loved ones at this time.”
Sterling called 5,420 regular-season games and 211 postseason games during his career before retiring in April 2024 just after the season began. He broadcast 5,060 consecutive games from September 1989 through July 2019 following his initial role as a pregame host with the Yankees.
Sterling returned to the booth for the 2024 postseason after retiring.
The team released a statement: “We pause today — along with millions of Yankees fans around the world — to recognize the passing of one of our own. John Sterling breathed life and excitement into Yankees games for 36 years while wearing his passion for baseball and the Yankees on his sleeve. He informed and entertained generations of fans with a theatrical and unapologetic style that was uniquely his own.”
A representative from the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), paid tribute: “THUUUUUGH YANKEES WIN! The incredible voice all Yankees fans will cherish forever and never forget. RIP to the great John Sterling.”
Sterling was known for his distinctive style on radio with WABC, WCBS, and WFAN, where he almost always wore a suit and tie. Despite occasional misjudgments — including times when he called long fly balls as home runs — he earned a devoted following among Yankees fans.
Fans cherished his unapologetic enthusiasm and his signature calls that celebrated the team’s victories. His famous home run call included: “That ball is high, it is far, it is gone!” followed by catchphrases tailored to individual players such as:
– For Aaron Judge: “It’s a Judgian blast!”
– For Bernie Williams: “Bernie goes boom!”
– For Didi Gregorius: “Yes, in-Didi — Didi Gregorius makes Yankee fans euphorious!”
– For Gio Urshela: “Gio Urshela, ‘The Most Happy Fella’!”
– For Gleyber Torres: “And like a good Gleyber, Torres is there!”
– For Hideki Matsui: “A thrilla from Godzilla!”