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Yankees Broadcaster John Sterling to Retire After 36 Seasons with NYY

Timothy Rapp

Legendary New York Yankees broadcaster John Sterling is retiring after 36 seasons on the job, the team announced Monday:

Sterling released the following statement, per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com:

"I am a very blessed human being. I have been able to do what I wanted, broadcasting for 64 years. As a little boy growing up in New York as a Yankees fan, I was able to broadcast the Yankees for 36 years. It's all to my benefit, and I leave very, very happy. I look forward to seeing everyone again on Saturday."

The team also released a statement:

Pete Caldera of NorthJersey.com first reported Sterling confirming his plans to retire.

According to that report, "Sterling had already planned a limited schedule in 2024, taking off most road games except the nearest East coast cities," but will be calling it quits early in the season.

According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, both Yankees and WFAN officals were expecting Monday's news due to "health concerns," adding that "the team and the station have left it up to Sterling, leaving the possibility he could change his mind."

Sterling is expected to be replaced by Justin Shackil and Emmanuel Berbari on WFAN's radio calls, while Suzyn Waldman will join them on the road.

Much in the way Vin Scully was the voice of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Harry Kalas was the voice of the Philadelphia Phillies and Harry Caray was the voice of the Chicago Cubs, John Sterling was the voice of the Yankees.

His elongated and vibrational "The Yankees win" calls after victories were his trademark, alongside custom home run calls for individual players. And his tenure corresponded with a number of great Yankees teams, highlighted by the Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Bernie Williams, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada years.

   

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