About John Sterling
John Sterling (1938–2026): The Legendary Voice of the New York Yankees John Sterling, the iconic radio play-by-play announcer for the New York Yankees for 36 seasons (1989–2024), passed away on May 4, 2026, at the age of 87. Known for his booming baritone, theatrical style, personalized home run calls, and unforgettable "Theeeee Yankees win!" victory exclamation, Sterling became synonymous with Yankees baseball for generations of fans. A Storied Broadcasting Career Born John Sloss on July 4, 1938, in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Sterling grew up in New York and built a remarkable 64+ year career in broadcasting. He joined the Yankees radio team in 1989 after stints calling Atlanta Braves and Hawks games, as well as earlier work with the Nets, Islanders, and various New York radio talk shows. Over his tenure with the Yankees, Sterling called:
5,426 regular-season games and 225 postseason games. A remarkable streak of 5,060 consecutive regular-season games (1989–2019). Every at-bat of Derek Jeter’s career and nearly every inning of Mariano Rivera’s. Multiple World Series, including the five championship victories in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2009.
His energetic, conversational style painted vivid pictures for radio listeners. Fans and players alike anticipated his creative home run calls, such as "Bern, baby, Bern!" for Bernie Williams, "A-Rod, A-Rod!" and many more tailored gems. His "Sterling Shake" and signature victory call became enduring parts of Yankees lore. Read more: 10 of John Sterling's Most Iconic Yankees Home Run Calls Tributes and Legacy The Yankees organization stated: “John Sterling breathed life and excitement into Yankees games for 36 years while wearing his passion for baseball and the Yankees on his sleeve.” Suzyn Waldman, his longtime broadcast partner, remembered him as “one of a kind” who lived life to the fullest. Aaron Boone, Aaron Judge, and countless others highlighted his kindness, enthusiasm, and connection to fans and players. Sterling was a 12-time Sports Emmy Award winner and a finalist for the Ford C. Frick Award. Additional Reading & Obituaries:
MLB.com Official Announcement: John Sterling Passes Away New York Times / The Athletic obituary coverage (subscription may be required) Wikipedia: John Sterling (sportscaster)
Personal Life Sterling had four children with his ex-wife Jennifer: daughter Abigail and triplets Veronica, Bradford, and Derek (whom he called “the trips”). He often said his greatest pride was his family. Remembering the Voice of the Yankees John Sterling’s calls remain etched in the memories of Yankees fans worldwide. From the lean years of the late 1980s/early 1990s through the dynasty era and into the Aaron Judge years, his voice was the soundtrack of summer in New York. Yankees Win... Theeeee Yankees Win! — Rest in peace, John. Your calls will echo forever.
This page is a tribute and memorial. For the latest news, visit official sources like MLB.com and WFAN. SEO & Related Searches: John Sterling death, John Sterling obituary, Yankees broadcaster passes away, John Sterling home run calls, Yankees radio voice legacy, Suzyn Waldman tribute. For more in-depth coverage, explore Yankees history, broadcaster halls of fame, and classic game audio archives.
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Derek Jeter
John Sterling is as much a part of the fabric of the New York Yankees organization as any player. It was an honor to have him call every one of my games during my career and an absolute pleasure to get to know him on a personal basis. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. He will be deeply missed. https://x.com/derekjeter/status/2051380590390182025?s=20
9d ago
Don Orsillo
Crushed to learn of the news of John Sterling’s passing. Single most responsible person for my cadence and delivery today as I learned/studied his rhythms while on busses nights in the NY-P League. My current “Bogey goes boom” call is and was an ode to John. Love you John. 🙏 https://x.com/DonOrsillo/status/2051365786649014685?s=20
9d ago
Alex Rodriguez
John Sterling was one of one. I loved him, and I’ll always be grateful for how good he was to me throughout my career. No one loved baseball more than John. He was a true ambassador for the game, beloved and revered by everyone who knew him or heard his voice. I’ll never forget hearing him and Suzyn call games, and his incredible Hank Aaron stories. The baseball world will miss him deeply, but we will never forget him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. https://x.com/AROD/status/2051342120460669439?s=20
9d ago