MLB World Honors John Sterling as Longtime Yankees Radio Voice Passes Away at 87: “An Absolute Treasure”

John Sterling served as the New York Yankees radio voice for 36 seasons and called 5 World Series Championships.

MLB World Honors John Sterling as Longtime Yankees Radio Voice Passes Away at 87: “An Absolute Treasure”

John Sterling (Image via New York Post)

The Major League Baseball lost one of its finest voices on Monday as John Sterling passed away. The longtime New York Yankees radio voice died at the age of 87. The baseball world paid its tributes and honored him on social media.

His death was announced on the “Boomer and Gio” show on Monday. Co-host Gregg Giannotti would reveal this tragic news as the room went quiet with shocked faces.

Earlier this year, the veteran announcer revealed that he had suffered a cardiac arrest in January. In a conversation with WFAN host Rickie Ricardo, he expressed that he was “very fortunate” and that “all things were good.“

Born in New York in 1938, Sterling served as the longtime radio voice of the Yankees from 1989 to 2024. During this time, he called 5,426 regular-season and 225 postseason games for the Bronx Bombers.

The sportcaster retired in 2024 just after the regular season began. He claimed he was tired of traveling. Dave Sims was appointed as his successor and became the new play-by-play voice for the Yankees.

In his tenure, Sterling oversaw 7 American League Pennants (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2009) and 5 World Series Championships (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2009). In a statement on X, the 27-time World Series winners mourned his passing.

The Yankees mourn the loss of legendary broadcaster John Sterling. Our thoughts are with John’s family, friends and loved ones at this time.

New York Yankees said regarding John Sterling on X

After stepping away from the booth in April 2024, he returned to call games during the postseason. The Yankees reached their first World Series since 2009 but ultimately ended up losing against the Los Angeles Dodgers in 5 games.

In their statement, the MLB expressed that they were saddened by the passing of Sterling and pointed out some of his career highlights.

We are saddened by the passing of former New York Yankees broadcaster John Sterling. Through his unique style and passionate play-by-play calls, Sterling endeared himself to generations of players and fans as radio voice of the Yankees from 1989 to 2024.

MLB said on on X regarding John Sterling

Over his career, Sterling became a fan favorite for some of his signature home run calls. However, his victory call of “The Yankees Win” became an instant hit among Yankees fans. This call was so iconic that MLB Hall of Famer David Ortiz made his own call of “The Yankees Lose” to poke fun at the New York side when they lost games.

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Social media pays tribute to John Sterling as the beloved Yankees voices passes away

The New York Yankees lost one of their beloved members of their family with the passing of John Sterling. After the news of his death went viral, many social media users paid their tributes to him.

John Sterling
John Sterling (Image via People)

On X, several MLB reporters and insiders honored him, with some sharing their experiences. MLB writer and reporter of the Yankees, Bryan Hoch, called him “an absolute treasure” while honoring him.

There are so many stories, so many wonderful memories. John Sterling was an absolute treasure. The soundtrack to so many seasons and a true original. There really never will be another like him.

Bryan Hoch on X

Check out that and some other tributes below:

The 12-time Sports Emmy Award winner also called games for the then-Baltimore Bullets, New York Raiders, New York Stars, New York Islanders (NHL), and the New Jersey/New York Nets in the NBA.

Following his initial stint in New York, he spent 9 years in Atlanta calling games for the Atlanta Braves in MLB from 1982 to 1987 and the Atlanta Hawks from 1981 to 1989.

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Yankees set to host Orioles on emotional night in New York following John Sterling’s passing

The emotions will undoubtedly be high on Monday night as the New York Yankees take on the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. They would be hoping to pay a fitting tribute to John Sterling with a win.

John Sterling
John Sterling (Image via MLB)

The American League East side is in fine form this year. On Sunday, they took down the O’s 11-3 to clinch the series. A victory on Monday would see them complete a 4-game sweep of their division rivals, who are struggling at the moment.

A win would also mark a 4th successive win for the Yankees and make it 6 wins out of the last 7 games for them. At the moment, they are 23-11 and sit at the top of the standings, 1.5 games ahead of the Tampa Bay Rays.

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