John Sterling, the iconic voice of the New York Yankees for 36 seasons, bid farewell in a heartfelt ceremony before a sellout crowd of 47,629 fans at Yankee Stadium. The 85-year-old broadcaster announced his retirement 2 1/2 weeks into the season, citing fatigue as the primary reason for stepping away from the microphone.
Sterling expressed his gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support throughout his illustrious career, acknowledging their kindness, respect, and love. The Bleacher Creatures honored him with chants during the first-inning Roll Call, underscoring his impact on the Yankees community.
Having called 5,420 regular-season games and 211 postseason games, Sterling's tenure with the Yankees was marked by memorable calls and signature catchphrases. From 'Bern, baby, Bern!' for Bernie Williams to 'A-bomb from A-Rod!' for Alex Rodriguez, Sterling's distinctive style endeared him to fans and players alike.
During the ceremony, Sterling received gifts and tributes from former Yankees players, colleagues, and team officials. Clips of his most iconic calls were played, and he was presented with a special jersey commemorating his 5,631 games called. The entire Yankees team joined him on the field for photos, highlighting the impact he had on the organization.
Reflecting on his broadcasting career, Sterling shared anecdotes from his early days in radio and his journey to becoming the voice of the Yankees. He credited his influences, including legendary broadcasters like Mel Allen and Russ Hodges, for shaping his style and approach to calling games.
As he walked off the field to the tune of Frank Sinatra's 'My Way,' Sterling acknowledged the possibility of being honored in Monument Park alongside other Yankees legends. His legacy as a broadcaster and his contributions to the game of baseball were celebrated by fans, players, and colleagues alike.
While Sterling's retirement marks the end of an era for Yankees fans, his impact on the team and the sport will endure for years to come.
