One of the most iconic and recognizable voices in WFAN's history has sadly passed away.
John Sterling, a Yankees radio legend with one of the most distinguished broadcasting styles ever heard in New York sports, has passed away at the age of 87. Sterling, who retired after the 2024 season, enjoyed a career in the booth that eclipsed three decades, and was the soundtrack to the Bomber's dynastic teams of the 1990s.
Known for his unique home run calls for each player in pinstripes, Sterling was an unmatched storyteller and entertainer who carried fans through countless summers and eventually into October, closing each Yankee victory with his trademark "Yankees win! Theeeeee, Yankees win!" which Yankee Stadium began playing through its PA system following the final out of each home victory as Sterling neared retirement.
Sterling logged an Iron Man-type streak in the broadcast booth, calling more than 5,000 consecutive games that also included postseason action. All told, he was behind the mic for 5,631 Yankee games beginning in 1989. He called five World Series championships and eight pennants, while providing the calls for historic franchise moments such as Derek Jeter's 3,000th hit and Aaron Judge's 62nd home run.
A New York native, Sterling was able to accomplish his childhood dream and then some, turning his passion into a Hall of Fame career and capturing the hearts of multiple generations of Yankee fans.
"He was everything that a play-by-play man should be," Gio said while remembering Sterling on Monday morning. "A voice that certainly will never be forgotten...his memory will live on through those calls and through our memories as long as we're on this planet."
"Truly entertaining, and he loved the sport. He loved the Yankees," Boomer added. "He was amazing...when you turned on the game and heard his voice, it meant something."
Sterling was the voice of a generation for Yankee fans in a career that spanned decades.
Sterling was the voice of a generation for Yankee fans in a career that spanned decades.
