Legendary New York Yankees announcer John Sterling has passed away at the age of 87. Sterling, who began calling games in 1989, was celebrated for his iconic voice and contributions to the team's history.
Key points
John Sterling passed away at age 87.
He began calling Yankees games in 1989.
Sterling called over 5,000 consecutive games.
Tributes poured in from sports media and politicians.
He was known for his iconic voice and memorable calls.
Mentioned in this story
John SterlingNew York YankeesWFANBryan HochMike GreenbergGregg GiannottiElise StefanikGuy Benson
John Sterling
FILE – In this Sept. 25, 2009 file photo shows New York Yankees broadcaster John Sterling sitting in his booth before a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium in New York. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, file)
The world of sports came together Monday to reminisce and mourn the death of legendary New York Yankees announcer **John Sterling**.
That morning, New York sports radio WFAN announced Sterling died at the age of 87. He began calling Yankees games in 1989 and retired in 2024. As noted in a report from *The Athletic*, Sterling called more than 5,000 consecutive games before missing one in July 2019.
For Yankees fans, Sterling’s voice is among the first that come to mind when recalling the team’s dynastic years from the late 1990s to the early 2000s. Countless members of New York sports media took to social media to pay tribute to him.
MLB reporter **Bryan Hoch** called Sterling “the soundtrack to so many seasons,” adding that the 87-year-old was “an absolute treasure.”
There are so many stories, so many wonderful memories. John Sterling was an absolute treasure. The soundtrack to so many seasons and a true original. There really never will be another like him.
— Bryan Hoch
⚾ (@BryanHoch) May 4, 2026
ESPN’s **Mike Greenberg**, a lifelong New York sports fan, referred to Sterling as “one of the truly great showmen our business ever had.”
The voice of so many summer days and October nights, across generations of time. Rest in peace to one of the truly great showmen our business ever had.
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) May 4, 2026
The morning of Sterling’s passing, WFAN broke the news on-air on *Boomer & Gio*.
“John was as good as it gets,” co-host **Gregg Giannotti** said. “Entertained us for so many years. Had so much fun with him. He was just everything that a play-by-play man should be in loving his audience, loving the sport, loving the Yankees, and delivering it in a way that was truly his own.”
Boomer and Gio announce the passing of longtime New York Yankees radio announcer John Sterling. He was 87.
Q&A
What was John Sterling's role with the New York Yankees?
John Sterling was the longtime radio announcer for the New York Yankees, known for his distinctive voice and memorable calls.
How long did John Sterling call Yankees games?
John Sterling began calling Yankees games in 1989 and continued until his retirement in 2024, missing only one game in 2019.
What tributes have been paid to John Sterling after his death?
Many sports figures, including MLB reporters and politicians, have expressed their condolences and shared memories, calling him a treasured voice and an iconic figure in sports.
What were some of John Sterling's notable achievements?
Sterling called over 5,000 consecutive games and was known for his signature phrase, 'Theeeeee Yankees win,' after each victory.
Related Articles
Sports
NBA playoff predictions: Picks for every second-round series with experts torn on Knicks vs. 76ers
CBS Sports Headlines·
Sports
2026 NBA Playoffs betting: Model leans heavily on one team in conference semifinals futures best bets
CBS Sports Headlines·
Sports
What draft experts said about Rams DT Tim Keenan III in scouting reports
Draft experts weigh in on Rams' pick Tim Keenan III from Alabama.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Wales' rising star Aiono proud of Samoan heritage
BBC Sport·
Cricket·Recap
Mumbai openers Sharma and Rickelton hand Lucknow sixth consecutive defeat in IPL
Mumbai Indians hand Lucknow Super Giants their sixth straight loss in IPL.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
NCAA expresses disagreement with recent $140 million verdict in CTE case
NCAA expresses disagreement with recent $140 million CTE verdict
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 4, 2026
The loss of Sterling was also felt in the world of politics. Rep. **Elise Stefanik** (R) said the announcer was “the incredible voice all Yankees fans will cherish forever and never forget.”
THUUUUUGH YANKEES WIN!
The incredible voice all Yankees fans will cherish forever and never forget.
RIP to the great John Sterling.
⚾
��
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) May 4, 2026
Fox News political analyst **Guy Benson** called Sterling “the narrator of so many summers” and added that he was involved with several iconic Yankees moments from his childhood.
The narrator of so many summers (and falls), and the voice of countless huge moments. I still have several of his iconic calls from my childhood memorized, verbatim. Appropriately, in their final game of Sterling’s life, thuuuuuh Yankees won. Booming, bombastic, inimitable. RIP.
— Guy Benson (@guypbenson) May 4, 2026
Other shared similar thoughts.
RIP to the great John Sterling. What a legend.
The Yankees won 2,763 regular-season games between Opening Day 1989 and 7/3/2019
John told us "Theeeeee Yankees win" after all 2,763 of them.
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) May 4, 2026
So goddamn sad. A legend in every way. Listening to John in the car with my dad was a big part of my childhood. Dude loved his job more than just about anyone. Rest in peace
— Eric Hubbs (@BarstoolHubbs) May 4, 2026
John made the game a theatrical experience… his voice is inextricably connected to the Yankees dynasty run thru the 90s and early 2000s
— trey wingo (@wingoz) May 4, 2026
Absolutely devastating news. John was one of a kind. There will never be another like him.
— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) May 4, 2026
Rest in peace, John. An icon and an original. Condolences to his family and friends, of which there are many.
Thank you for the memories. We laughed because we loved and respected.
— Art Stapleton (@art\_stapleton) May 4, 2026
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of John Sterling. We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends and the New York Yankees organization. pic.twitter.com/aOZS9iouNh
— New York Mets (@Mets) May 4, 2026
Sending our thoughts to the Sterling family and the @Yankees on the loss of a New York legend and the voice of a generation of sports fans.
— New York Giants (@Giants) May 4, 2026
Rest in peace to a New York sports icon. Sending our thoughts and prayers to the Sterling family
— New York Jets (@nyjets) May 4, 2026
Rest in peace to a broadcasting legend, New York sports icon, and former radio voice of the Nets, John Sterling. He will be dearly missed.