After 36 seasons as the voice of the New York Yankees, John Sterling announced his retirement 2 1/2 weeks into the season at age 85. He was honored with an on-field ceremony before a game against Tampa Bay, where he received gifts and addressed the crowd of 47,629 fans, expressing his gratitude for their support over the past 36 years. Bleacher Creatures chanted his name during Roll Call, and Sterling explained that his retirement was due to feeling tired and not wanting to be on the air anymore.
Sterling called 5,420 regular-season games and 211 postseason games, with partners including Jay Johnstone, Joe Angel, Michael Kay, Charley Steiner, and Suzyn Waldman. He was known for his exclamatory home run calls, such as “A-bomb from A-Rod!” and “Robbie Cano, don’t you know.” He received tributes from former players like Paul O’Neill, Bernie Williams, and Derek Jeter, as well as gifts including sterling silver cufflinks and an engraved silver microphone.
Born in 1938, Sterling grew up in New York and always wanted to be a broadcaster after hearing radio shows in the 1940s. He cited influences like Harry Caray, Bob Uecker, Mel Allen, Russ Hodges, and Jim Karvellas. Sterling rarely visited clubhouses but was known for his enthusiastic broadcasting style. He was compared to Sinatra, with his walk back to the Yankees dugout set to “My Way.” Sterling acknowledged the possibility of being honored in Monument Park, where plaques commemorate other Yankees broadcasters.
Despite his passion for broadcasting, Sterling explained that his decision to retire came down to feeling tired and not wanting to work every day. He recalled his long career with the Yankees, starting as a pregame host and eventually becoming the voice of the team for over three decades. Sterling expressed his gratitude to the fans for their support and kindness throughout his time with the organization, as well as his colleagues and partners who shared the broadcast booth with him.
Sterling’s retirement came as a surprise to many, given his long tenure with the Yankees. His distinctive voice and signature calls for home runs have become synonymous with the team for generations of fans. The ceremony honoring Sterling was a fitting tribute to his contributions to the organization and the sport of baseball as a whole. Despite his self-proclaimed shortcomings as a student, Sterling found his calling as a broadcaster and has left a lasting impact on the Yankees and their fans.
