John Sterling, the legendary radio voice of the New York Yankees for 36 seasons, passed away today, May 4, 2026, at the age of 87.
The announcement was made this morning by WFAN Sports Radio, the station where Sterling became an icon of New York sports broadcasting.
Career & Legacy
Sterling was synonymous with Yankees baseball for generations of fans. His career highlights include:
The Streak: He called 5,060 consecutive games from 1989 to 2019, a remarkable feat of endurance and dedication.
Signature Style: He was famous for his theatrical home run calls (e.g., “Bernie goes boom!” or “An A-bomb for A-Rod!”) and his post-victory catchphrase: “Ballgame over! Yankees win! Theeeeeee Yankees win!”
Championships: During his tenure, he voiced the soundtrack to five World Series titles (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2009).
Retirement and Final Years
Sterling initially retired in April 2024 due to the rigors of travel but returned later that season to call the Yankees’ postseason run. His final broadcast took place in late 2024 before Dave Sims officially took over the radio booth for the 2025 season.
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While a specific cause of death has not been confirmed today, Sterling had previously faced health challenges, including a heart attack earlier in 2026. He remained active in the New York media scene until his passing, recently hosting a weekly program for WABC.
