‘Icon’: Sports World Unites to Mourn the Loss of Longtime Yankees Announcer John Sterling

TL;DR

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

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.

‘Icon’: Sports World Unites to Mourn the Loss of Longtime Yankees Announcer John Sterling

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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