John Sterling, the 36-year radio voice for the New York Yankees, has passed away, according to an announcement Monday from the franchise and radio station WFAN. He was 87 years old.
Back in the winter, Sterling underwent heart bypass surgery, with health care aides attending him at his Edgewater, New Jersey house following his procedure.
When Sterling retired in 2024, he finished with a total of 5,420 regular-season games on his resume, and another 211 in the playoffs. From September 1989-July 2019, he broadcasted for 5,060 straight contests after starting with New York as a host of pregame shows. (RELATED: Investor Group Led By José E. Feliciano, Kwanza Jones Vows World Series Championship After Reaching Deal To Buy Padres)
Later in 2024, Sterling unretired to call postseason Yankees games.
“We are devastated to hear about the passing of John Sterling, a WFAN and Yankees radio icon whose voice was synonymous with an entire generation of Yankee fandom,” said WFAN in a statement.
The Yankees mourn the loss of legendary broadcaster John Sterling. Our thoughts are with John’s family, friends and loved ones at this time. pic.twitter.com/1rCeRC1D61
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) May 4, 2026
Sterling was a broadcaster for the Yankees for 24 playoff appearances, seven World Series berths and five World Series championships.
Being known for having the signature “The Yankees win!” call, as well as home run calls that were personalized, Sterling was with the Yankees for his last 20 years with Suzyn Waldman.
“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,” said Major League Baseball in a statement. “His signature punctuation of Yankees victories included calling the final out of five World Series championships.”