NYC Radio: WFAN Working Deal For Backup Yankees Radio Voice

Justin Shackil

John Sterling will turn 85 in July, but WFAN and the Yankees expect him to do most, but not all, of the games this upcoming season as the team’s radio play-by-player.

That is why Justin Shackil is on the verge of what one day could become a very big job, The NY Post is reporting. WFAN is expected to offer Shackil the job vacated by Sweeny Murti, as Yankees reporter and fill-in play-by-player.

Though terms still need to be agreed upon, and it is still being worked out whether Shackil will do both the pregame and postgame show, he would become Sterling’s permanent play-by-play backup with the expectation the 36-year-old would call 25 games this year, give or take. He could also continue to do some YES Network fill-in work.

Shackil will not be guaranteed to succeed Sterling if he ever does retire, but if a contract is agreed upon, he would have a long, public audition to be next in line. Besides YES and Yankee Stadium work, Shackil calls boxing for DAZN, and hosts a podcast with David Cone and YES researcher James Smyth.

Last year, Sterling cut back on the amount of games he called, but he still is determined to do as many as possible. Sterling still loves to call games, though he has not been shy about not enjoying traveling anymore.

WFAN had to scramble some last year to fill in the dates with Ryan Ruocco, a top choice, largely unavailable due to his YES and ESPN commitments.

In Murti’s old spot, WFAN wants someone who can do the studio shows and be ready, at any moment, to team with analyst Suzyn Waldman if Sterling needs time off.

WCBS, which along with WFAN is owned by Audacy, will have a similar setup, with Howie Rose being joined by newcomer Keith Raad. Pat McCarthy will be the swing man, serving as the pregame and postgame reporter and as Rose’s backup. Shackil could have a similar role, if it all works out.