John Sterling Yankee broadcast booth retirement age 85 34th season

Beloved Yankees broadcaster John Sterling retires at 85 after 34 seasons, leaving behind iconic home run calls. Fans celebrate his legacy.

John Sterling, the iconic New York Yankees broadcaster known for his personalized home run calls, has announced his retirement at the age of 85. This decision comes as a surprise during his 34th season as the Yankees' play-by-play voice. Sterling, who had been reducing his schedule in recent years, was absent from the team's current road trip.

Over his illustrious career, Sterling called an impressive 5,420 regular-season games, with his last broadcast being against the Blue Jays on April 7. He also called 211 postseason games and had an incredible streak of 5,060 consecutive games from September 1989 to July 2019. Starting as a pregame host, Sterling's career with the Yankees spanned 36 years.

The Yankees will honor Sterling in a ceremony before Saturday's game against Tampa Bay in the Bronx. Reflecting on his career, Sterling expressed gratitude for being able to broadcast for 64 years and fulfilling his childhood dream of calling Yankees games. He leaves the broadcast booth with a sense of fulfillment and happiness.

Throughout his tenure, Sterling coined memorable home run calls for various Yankees players, becoming an integral part of the team's identity. From "Bernie goes boom! Bern, baby, Bern!" for Bernie Williams to "It's a Jeter jolt!" for Derek Jeter, his calls resonated with fans and players alike. His unique style and colorful personality endeared him to Yankees fans for decades.

Sterling's partnership with various broadcasters and his distinctive style of calling games made him a beloved figure in the baseball world. His passion for the sport and the Yankees was evident in every broadcast, and his signature call of "Thuuuuuuuh Yankees win!" became a cherished moment for fans.

As a native New Yorker, Sterling's broadcasting career included stints with other sports teams before joining the Yankees. His impact on the world of sports broadcasting is undeniable, and his legacy will be remembered by generations of fans.

In a statement, the Yankees praised Sterling for his contributions to the team and the sport of baseball. They highlighted his unique voice and personality, which captured the essence of the game and resonated with fans across the country.

As John Sterling bids farewell to the broadcast booth, his legacy as a legendary voice of the Yankees will endure for years to come. His passion for the game and his colorful commentary have left an indelible mark on the sport, and he will be remembered as a true icon of baseball broadcasting.