R.I.P.: Yankees' Radio Voice: John Sterling

John Sterling, the legendary voice of the Yankees, has passed away at 87 years old.

Sterling began calling Yankees games in 1989 and famously would never miss a broadcast, calling 5,060 consecutive games up until he missed four games in July of 2019.

Quick Summary of His Career and Recent Status

• Broadcasting Legacy: Sterling served as the Yankees' primary radio play-by-play announcer from 1989 through 2024, calling over 5,600 games (including regular season and postseason). He was known for his energetic style, signature home run calls ("It is gone!" followed by a player's name in a unique phrase), and record streak of consecutive games broadcast.
• Retirement: He retired in April 2024 at age 85 (effective immediately, citing fatigue from travel), though he returned briefly for select late-season games and the postseason, with his final call coming in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series.

Sterling is one of the most beloved figures in Yankees history, with a career spanning more than six decades in broadcasting. 

Career Timeline & Longevity

• Yankees tenure: 36 seasons (1989–2024), during which he became synonymous with Yankees baseball on radio (primarily WFAN).
• Games called: Approximately 5,420 regular-season games and 211 postseason games, for a total of around 5,631 Yankees broadcasts.
• Consecutive games streak: An incredible 5,060 consecutive regular-season games from 1989 until July 4, 2019 — one of the longest in broadcasting history.

Pre-Yankees work: 

Broadcast for the Atlanta Braves (1982–1987), Atlanta Hawks (NBA), New Jersey Nets, Washington Bullets, and New York Islanders (NHL).

Major Achievements & Honors

World Series calls: 

Announced eight World Series, including the five Yankees championships in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2009.

Awards:

• 12-time Sports Emmy Award winner, including two for his work hosting/narrating the YES Network’s Yankeeography series.
• Hall of Fame: Inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2016.
• Ford C. Frick Award: Finalist for the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s broadcasting honor in multiple years (including 2024–2025).

Signature Style & Legacy

Sterling was famous for his energetic, theatrical delivery and personalized home run calls (e.g., “It is high, it is far, it is gone!” followed by a player-specific phrase like “Bernie goes boom!” for Bernie Williams or “A-Bomb for A-Rod!”). His dramatic “Theeeee Yankees win!” became an iconic sign-off for victories.