John Sterling was an American radio broadcaster known for serving as the theatrical play-by-play voice of the New York Yankees for 36 seasons. He gained public attention for his signature home run calls and his unforgettable victory cry, “Ballgame over! The Yankees win! Theeeeee Yankees win!”.
Quick Facts
Full Name: John Sloss (changed to John Sterling)
Age: 87 (born July 4, 1938 – died May 4, 2026)
Nationality: American
Occupation: Radio Broadcaster, Sportscaster
Known For: Longtime radio voice of the New York Yankees (1989-2024)
Marital Status: Separated (married Jennifer from 1996 to 2008)
Children: Four (including triplets)
Early Life and Background
Sterling was born John Sloss on July 4, 1938, in New York City and grew up on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. He fell in love with broadcasting “before puberty” and at age 19 landed an on-air job at a small radio station near Buffalo, where he changed his name to John Sterling. He attended Moravian College in Pennsylvania, Boston University, and briefly studied at Columbia University before leaving academia to pursue radio full-time.
Career and Achievements
Sterling’s broadcasting career spanned more than 60 years. Prior to joining the Yankees, he hosted a talk show on WMCA and called games for the New Jersey Nets and New York Islanders during the 1970s. He also served as the radio voice for the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks in the 1980s.
Sterling began with the Yankees as a pregame host in 1989 before taking over play-by-play duties. Over 36 seasons, he called 5,420 regular-season games and 211 postseason games, broadcasting 5,060 consecutive games from September 1989 through July 2019. He retired in April 2024 at age 85 but briefly returned to call the Yankees’ postseason run later that year.
His signature home run call ”It is high! It is far! It is gone!” became iconic. He was also known for creating personalized nicknames for Yankees stars: “Bern, baby, Bern!” for Bernie Williams, “It’s a Jeter jolt!” for Derek Jeter, “An A-bomb from A-Rod!” for Alex Rodriguez, and “A thrilla from Godzilla!” for Hideki Matsui. His catchphrase for Robinson Canó-”Robbie Canó, don’t cha know?” and his famous line about the Yankees running the bases “like drunks” became beloved by fans.
Sterling was awarded 12 Emmy Awards and was inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2016.
Major Event or Controversy
No major controversies are associated with John Sterling. He was known for his unique, sometimes unconventional broadcasting style, which drew both devoted fans and occasional criticism, but he remained a beloved figure in Yankees history.
Why He Is In the News
Sterling is in the news following his death on May 4, 2026, at his home in Edgewater, New Jersey, at age 87. He had undergone heart bypass surgery and suffered complications following a heart attack . The Yankees, WFAN, and Major League Baseball released statements mourning his passing, with tributes pouring in from players, broadcasters, and fans across the sports world.
Conclusion
John Sterling was the unmistakable voice of the New York Yankees for more than three decades, providing the soundtrack for five World Series championships and countless memorable moments. His theatrical style, signature catchphrases, and genuine love for the game made him one of baseball’s most enduring and beloved broadcasters.
