The pregame ceremony was a fitting tribute to Sterling's remarkable contributions to the team. Accompanied by his family, Sterling was greeted with a resounding roll call from the bleachers, echoing throughout the stadium. The atmosphere was electric as former Yankees greats Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, and Paul O'Neill sent video messages to honor Sterling's legacy.
Gifts poured in, including an impressive 83-inch television and a custom Yankees jersey bearing the number 5631—the total number of games Sterling called on the radio. But perhaps the most touching moment came when Sterling's longtime radio partner, Suzyn Waldman, introduced him to the crowd. Sterling, visibly moved, took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the Steinbrenner family, his broadcasting partners, and most importantly, the fans.
Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Sterling remarked, "How lucky can you be for people to celebrate what you do for a living?" Indeed, his career was nothing short of extraordinary. From his humble beginnings in the broadcast booth in 1989 to calling 24 postseasons and seven World Series, Sterling's voice became synonymous with Yankees baseball.
Throughout the years, Sterling narrated some of the team's most iconic moments, including the Yankees' dynastic run in the 1990s, Derek Jeter's historic 3,000th hit, and Aaron Judge's record-breaking 62nd home run. However, Sterling confessed that Saturday's celebration was unparalleled in his professional life.
In a candid moment at a news conference before the game, Sterling shared his favorite season—1996—when the Yankees clinched their first championship in 18 years. He also revealed the origin of his signature home run calls, admitting that they evolved organically over time.
Despite his love for the game, Sterling knew it was time to retire. The decision came during a road trip early in the season when he realized he no longer wanted to work every day. At 85 years old, with 64 years of broadcasting under his belt, Sterling felt it was the right moment to step away from the microphone.
For Yankees fans, Sterling's departure marks the end of an era. His distinctive calls and unwavering enthusiasm became a staple of Yankees baseball for over three decades. From his famous victory cry—"Theeeee Yankees win"—to his colorful anecdotes and playful banter, Sterling's presence will be sorely missed in the broadcast booth.
But despite his retirement, Sterling isn't ready to say goodbye to the game altogether. He plans to continue watching and listening to Yankees games from the comfort of his New Jersey home. While he may not miss the daily grind of broadcasting, his love for the game remains as strong as ever.
As the Yankees move forward into a new era, they do so with gratitude for the man who brought their games to life for so many years. John Sterling may have hung up his headset, but his legacy will forever echo through the hallowed halls of Yankee Stadium.
