Legendary sports broadcaster John Sterling, who became one of the most recognizable voices in baseball history, has died at the age of 87, according to Major League Baseball.

Sterling was best known for his long tenure as the radio play-by-play announcer for the New York Yankees, a role he held from 1989 until his retirement in 2024. Over those 35 years, he developed a distinctive and energetic broadcasting style that resonated with generations of fans and became closely tied to the team’s identity.

Throughout his career, Sterling called thousands of Yankees games and was behind the microphone during some of the franchise’s most successful seasons, including multiple World Series championship runs. His voice became a staple of the team’s broadcasts, especially during key moments and victories.

He was widely recognized for his unique approach to play-by-play announcing, which included creative home run calls and his famous celebratory phrase after Yankees wins. His enthusiastic delivery and passion for the game helped make him one of the most memorable figures in sports broadcasting.

Sterling’s career in broadcasting spanned decades beyond baseball. He began working in radio in the late 1950s and went on to cover multiple sports, including basketball and hockey, before ultimately becoming a fixture in Major League Baseball.

In early 2024, he stepped away from his role, citing the demands of travel after decades of calling games. In the time leading up to his death, he had largely stayed out of the public spotlight.

His passing marks the end of an era for Yankees fans and the broader sports world, as his voice had become synonymous with baseball for more than a generation.

Source: AZFamily