Remembering John Sterling: The Voice of the Yankees Passes Away

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Remembering John Sterling: A Legendary Voice in Broadcasting

John Sterling, the renowned play-by-play announcer for the New York Yankees, has passed away at the age of 87. Known for his iconic home run calls, Sterling was a fixture in sports broadcasting, admired and mocked in equal measure for his distinctive style. Despite the mixed reactions he often received, his commitment to his craft made him a beloved figure in the world of sports.

I had the honor of working with John and even filled in for him a few times when he was ill. His dedication was unmatched; he never missed a game, an inning, or even a single pitch or strike call, no matter what personal events or challenges he faced. This level of commitment showed his prioritization of his role with the Yankees over everything else in his life.

John's personal life, though marked by challenges like divorce and living alone, was full of love for his family, particularly his children who are now adults. Professionally, he was the voice of the Yankees for over 30 years, succeeding Phil Rizzuto and becoming a legend like him for a new generation of fans. His voice became synonymous with Yankee baseball, akin to how Harry Kallis's voice was linked with the Phillies.

Reflecting on his career, it's clear John was somewhat underappreciated, perhaps due to his consistent presence which made him a comforting, familiar voice to Yankees fans. As he aged, the appreciation for his unique contributions to broadcasting, including his signature calls and personalized home run shouts like "an A-bomb by A-Rod", seemed to grow. He loved being recognized for these calls, reveling in the attention they brought him.

One unfathomable achievement of his was calling every pitch of Derek Jeter’s entire career with the Yankees, a testament to his reliability and passion. John Sterling, a true broadcasting legend, leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.

In one of his last radio interviews on February 24th, with WFAN's Chris McMonagle and myself, John displayed his usual enthusiasm and dedication. His legendary voice and memorable calls will forever echo in the annals of sports broadcasting history.