John Sterling, the legendary radio voice of the Yankees for 36 years has died. He was 87. Mr. Sterling broadcast game exclusively for WFAN from 1989 until his retirement at the beginning of the 2024 season, due to health reasons.
The Yankees released the following 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.
“John treasured his role as the voice of the New York Yankees, and his enthusiasm for the art of broadcasting perfectly complemented our city and our fans. The symmetry between John and his audience was both undeniable and magical, and his signature calls will resonate for as long as we put on pinstripes — especially after every Yankees win.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to the entire Sterling family, as well as his long list of loved ones and friends.”
Mr. Sterling's career began in Baltimore in 1970, calling games for NBA's Bullets, and Morgan State University football. He then moved to New York, calling games for the Nets and Islanders before moving to Atlanta, where he covered the Hawks and Braves through 1988, then beginning his legendary stint with the Yankees, at one point calling 5,060 consecutive games — 30-plus seasons from 1989 to 2019.
THE ASYLUM
Legendary announcer Sterling dies
John Sterling, the legendary radio voice of the Yankees for 36 years has died. He was 87. Mr. Sterling broadcast game exclusively for WFAN from 1989 until his retirement at the beginning of the 2024 season, due to health reasons.
The Yankees released the following 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.
“John treasured his role as the voice of the New York Yankees, and his enthusiasm for the art of broadcasting perfectly complemented our city and our fans. The symmetry between John and his audience was both undeniable and magical, and his signature calls will resonate for as long as we put on pinstripes — especially after every Yankees win.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to the entire Sterling family, as well as his long list of loved ones and friends.”
Mr. Sterling's career began in Baltimore in 1970, calling games for NBA's Bullets, and Morgan State University football. He then moved to New York, calling games for the Nets and Islanders before moving to Atlanta, where he covered the Hawks and Braves through 1988, then beginning his legendary stint with the Yankees, at one point calling 5,060 consecutive games — 30-plus seasons from 1989 to 2019.
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