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 personalized home run calls (e.g., “Bernie goes boom!”) 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 Call
Sterling initially retired in April 2024 due to the rigors of travel but made a brief, celebrated return to call the Yankees’ postseason run later that year. His final broadcast took place on October 30, 2024, during Game 5 of the World Series.
While a specific cause of death has not yet been released, Sterling had previously mentioned dealing with health issues, including a heart attack in early 2025. He is survived by his four children.
