Former NY Yankee Radio Announcer John Sterling - Bill Kostroun/AP Photo
John Sterling, the “Voice of the New York Yankees”, announced his immediate retirement Monday after 36 seasons with the Yankees.
At 85 years old, he called 5,420 regular-season games and 211 post-season games. Additionally, he was inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2016.
Known for his home-run witty calls dating back to the early 1990s, I still enjoy today the nostalgia of Sterling’s voice on the weekends. This is true when I go swimming in the summer and flip on my radio to hear him call the Yankees’ games.
Let’s take a look at some of Sterling’s most memorable calls:
John Sterling Retires With Most Memorable Calls
Gleyber Torres
“It’s Gleyber Day! And like a good Gleyber, Torres is there!” Sterling just couldn’t help himself with the State Farm Insurance reference. It fits so well.
The 27-year-old second baseman made the A.L. All-Star team in 2018-19.
Melky Cabrera
“The Melkman!” Ohh the Melkman delivers! This is one of the most thrilling calls made by Sterling.
Cabrera hit 144 homers during his time with the Yankees from 2005-09.
Hideki Matsui
“It’s a thrilla! By Godzilla!” Sterling admired that Matsui was named the 2009 World Series MVP.
Matsui hit 140 home runs during his time with the Yankees from 2003-09.
Aaron Judge
“All Rise! Here comes the Judge!” They even have a designated section in the ballpark, called the “Judge’s Chambers,” where fans are chosen to sit in to cheer on their fantastic batter.
Sterling has also termed “Judgement Day” and “Judge and Jury” when coining No. 99’s majestic home runs.
Bernie Williams
“Bernie goes boom! Bern, baby, Bern!” This call comes from Sterling’s reference to the Trammps lyric from the 1976 classic, “Disco Inferno”.
Williams hit 287 dingers with the Yankees from 1991-2006.
Mark Teixeria
“Mark sends a Tex message! You’re on the Mark, Teixeria!” Sterling owned an old style, “flip phone” that wouldn’t receive text messages.
Also, he possessed no email account. All in all, the broadcaster was describing the state of technology in 2009. It is the identical year when number 25 arrived in the Big Apple.
In 2009, Teixeira led the AL in both home runs (39), and RBI’s (122). Additionally, that was the same year the team won the World Series.
Curtis Granderson, Jr.
“The Grandyman! The Grandyman can!” Sterling enjoyed all the versatility Granderson showed during his time with the Yankees.
He was the only player in MLB history to have 40 home runs, 10 triples, and 25 stolen bases in one season.
Robinson Cano
“Robbie Canó, don’t cha know?!” Don’t cha know Mr. Sterling was poetic? He loved rhyming schemes and alliteration which in poetry is, “the first consonant letter is repeating.”
Canó hit 204 homers with the Yankees from 2005-13.
Giancarlo Stanton
“Giancarlo, non si puo stopparlo!” In everyday Stanton fashion, the call obviously means, “You cannot be stopped!”
Working hard over the off-season to keep himself fit and ready to play, Stanton has already had some key hits to help the Yankees start off the season strong.
Jorge Posada
“Jorgie juiced one!” He was one of Sterling’s favorite catchers who played 17-years with the Yankees.
He was a 5-time All-Star and went to four World Series with the Bombers.
Alex Rodriguez
“It’s an A-Bomb! From A-Rod!” Sterling was very excited when Rodriguez joined the Yankees in 2004.
The announcer was glad to celebrate all his accomplishments, including the 2009 World Series.
Derek Jeter
“El Capitán!” Sterling was known for some of his unique calls in Spanish as well. Jeter was the team’s captain, and he held that on display when he hit a home run in the 2009 ALDS vs. the Minnesota Twins.
Therefore, the 20-year veteran enjoyed five World Series with the Bombers, while also having his #2 jersey being retired in his honor.
Final Thoughts on John Sterling: Retires from Announcing
In addition to Sterling calling 5,060 consecutive games from September 1989 to July 2019 and witnessing every outing of Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter’s outstanding careers, we will definitely miss the legendary announcer saying: “The Yankees Win, Thuuuuuuuuuu Yankees Win!”
Nevertheless, before John Sterling retires, the Yankees will honor the legendary broadcaster on Saturday prior to the game against Tampa Bay in the Bronx.
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