Yankees’ iconic announcer John Sterling announces sudden retirement

Legendary New York Yankees radio announcer John Sterling has announced his retirement after an illustrious 36-year career with the team. The 85-year-old broadcaster, known for his iconic calls and unwavering passion for the game, will be stepping down due to health concerns, as reported by The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand.

Sterling, who has called 5,420 regular season games and 211 playoff games for the Yankees since 1989, was the voice of the team during their dominant era that saw five World Series championships from 1996 to 2009. He also had the honor of calling Aaron Judge’s record-setting 62nd home run in 2022.

In a statement released by the Yankees, Sterling expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to broadcast for the team he grew up idolizing as a young fan. He will be honored in a special ceremony before Saturday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Fans and colleagues alike have taken to social media to pay tribute to Sterling’s legendary career, with many acknowledging his impact on multiple generations of Yankees fans. The team described Sterling as a “Goliath of the sports broadcasting world” and praised his unapologetic and passionate style that endeared him to fans.

Prior to his time with the Yankees, Sterling spent nine years in Atlanta calling games for the Hawks and Braves before returning to his native New York to host a sports talk radio show and call games for the Nets and Islanders in the 1970s. His retirement marks the end of an era for Yankees baseball and leaves a lasting legacy in the hearts of fans everywhere.