John Sterling, the iconic play-by-play announcer for more than 5,600 New York Yankees games, has died, the team and WFAN announced Monday.
Sterling’s son, Bradford, told the The New York Times that his father died from complications after a heart attack in Englewood, N.J. He was 87.
“The Yankees mourn the loss of legendary broadcaster John Sterling,” the team said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with John’s family, friends and loved ones at this time.”
Sterling, who was known for his personalized home run calls, emphatic delivery after Yankees wins and many other idiosyncrasies, served on the Yankees’ broadcast team from 1989 to 2024.
Sterling, who was born John Sloss, started his career as a play-by-play announcer in 1970 for the Baltimore Bullets.
Sterling also worked as a play-by-play announcer for the Morgan State University football team. He went on to work as a broadcaster for World Hockey Association, World Football League, NHL and ABA games.
Sterling partnered Michael Kay, Jay Johnstone, Joe Angel, Charley Steiner and Suzyn Waldman during his tenure as a Yankees broadcaster. He called 5,060 consecutive Yankees games from 1989 to 2019.
“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,” WFAN said. “Rest in peace, John.”
“We are saddened by the passing of former New York Yankees broadcaster John Sterling,” MLB said. “Through his unique style and passionate play-by-play calls, Sterling endeared himself to generations of players and fans as radio voice of the Yankees from 1989 to 2024.
“His signature punctuation of Yankees victories included calling the final out of five World Series championships.”
Notable deaths of 2026
Nedra Talley RossVeronica “Ronnie” Spector (C) and Nedra Talley Ross (R) perform at the Ronettes’ Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2007. Talley Ross, the last surviving member of the girl group, died April 26 at the age of 80. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
