John Sterling, the longtime N.Y. Yankees radio announcer, dead at 87

John Sterling, the longtime play-by-play voice of the New York Yankees, has died at the age of 87, according to WFAN.

Sterling spent more than three decades with the Bronx Bombers, starting in 1989. In total, he called 5,420 regular-season and 211 postseason games. 

The sports radio station made the announcement Monday morning on Facebook.

"We are devastated to hear about the passing of John Sterling, a WFAN and Yankees radio icon whose voice was synonymous with an entire generation of Yankee fandom. Rest in peace, John," the post read.

He was known for his signature home run call -- "It is high! It is far! It is gone!" -- and Yankees victory call -- "Ballgame over! The Yankees win! Theeeeee Yankees win!"

Sterling retires in 2024 due to health concerns

He called 5,060 consecutive games until the 2019 season, when he took his first day off in 30 years. 

Sterling retired at the start of the 2024 season after more than three decades with the team due to health concerns.  

"As a little boy growing up in New York as a Yankees fan, I was able to broadcast the Yankees for 36 years. It's all to my benefit, and I leave very, very happy," he said at the time.  

Yankees Spanish language broadcaster Rickie Ricardo said Sterling suffered a heart attack in January.

Ricardo credits Sterling for having a huge influence on his career.

"I learned from the master to not just call the game but to entertain that audience, make them feel like they're a part of your circle," he said. "That I get directly from the great John Sterling." 

Radio career spans more than 60 years

Prior to working for the Yankees, Sterling had vast experience in the sports radio industry. 

He hosted a talk show on WMCA and called Nets and Islanders games on various New York stations, both radio and television, throughout the 1970s. He also did the same for the Atlanta Hawks and Braves in the 1980s.

Sterling was also the host of the "Yankeeography" series and has received numerous honors, including 12 Emmy Awards.

In 2016, he was inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Suzyn Waldman, his longtime partner in the broadcast booth, said he was kind to everyone. 

"He didn't know how to fight back when people were mean to him, and that's who he was," she said. "He had the best soul of anybody I ever saw in my life, and I don't think we're ever gonna see that again." 

New Yorkers react to Sterling's death

"It's a major loss. I loved the play-by-play. He was a real star as far as I'm concerned. He will be missed by many," a man named Marty said.

"He was a legend in the industry, and he was part of my childhood growing up," said Colleen Mathis.

"It's very sad. He's an all-time great, one of the very best," another man said. "I think he's very well-loved, and we're gonna miss him."

"He was the voice of summer for millions of Yankees fans. May John's memory be a blessing," said New York Sen. Chuck Schumer on social media.   

"Breathed life and excitement into Yankees games"

The Yankees released a statement Monday afternoon reflecting on Sterling's death. 

"We pause today - along with millions of Yankees fans around the world - to recognize the passing of one of our own. John Sterling breathed life and excitement into Yankees games for 36 years while wearing his passion for baseball and the Yankees on his sleeve. He informed and entertained generations of fans with a theatrical and unapologetic style that was uniquely his own.

John treasured his role as the voice of the New York Yankees, and his enthusiasm for the art of
broadcasting perfectly complemented our city and our fans. The symmetry between John and his
audience was both undeniable and magical, and his signature calls will resonate for as long as we put on pinstripes - especially after every Yankees win.

We send our heartfelt condolences to the entire Sterling family, as well as his long list of loved ones and friends."