After his formal retirement, John Sterling made a comeback to call a half inning during the Yankees game against the Guardians. However, his cameo was spoiled by the Yankees’ 9-5 defeat in 12 innings. The long-time team voice reacted sharply saying “it’s really hurt.”
In his candid assessment, John Sterling reiterated his concerns about the widespread hitting slump affecting multiple players and the bullpen’s ineffectiveness. He seemed to suggest that these issues were particularly frustrating given the star power present in the Yankees’ roster, implying that the team should be performing at a much higher level.
John Sterling expressed his surprise and disappointment regarding the Yankees’ performance this season. He noted that while Juan Soto and Aaron Judge have been performing well, many other players in the lineup have been struggling at the plate. John Sterling specifically mentioned Gleyber Torres, Anthony Volpe, and D.J. LeMahieu as examples of players who have not been meeting offensive expectations.
“The fact that surprised me is that so many of the guys haven’t hit—obviously not [Juan] Soto and [Aaron] Judge—and that the bullpen has been so poor,” John Sterling said. “You look at your lineup card: [Gleyber] Torres not hitting, [Anthony] Volpe really not hitting and DJ [LeMahieu] not hitting. It’s really hurt because with Soto and Judge, wow what an offense they can have.”
The longtime announcer also pointed out that the bullpen’s performance has been subpar, contributing to the team’s overall struggles. John Sterling emphasized the contrast between the potential of the offense, particularly with powerhouses like Soto and Judge in the lineup, and the reality of the team’s underwhelming results.
John Sterling’s anger justified
The 86-year-old former Yankees radio announcer, who recently retired, made a guest appearance in the YES Network booth alongside his longtime colleague, Michael Kay, during the third inning of the Yankees’ game against the Cleveland Guardians.
The pivotal moment occurred when Cleveland’s Daniel Schneemann, with two outs and runners on first and second, singled to right field. Juan Soto fielded the ball and aimed to throw it home, but his throw was intercepted by first baseman D.J. LeMahieu, who then spotted Schneemann caught between first and second base.
LeMahieu initiated a rundown, tossing the ball to shortstop Anthony Volpe, who quickly returned it to LeMahieu as Schneemann retreated to first. In a twist, Schneemann noticed that second base was left unguarded and took advantage of the Yankees’ lapse, successfully advancing to second base.
This misplay allowed Guardians outfielder Jhonkensy Noel to score, tying the game at 2-2. The Yankees eventually fell 9-5 in 12 innings.
As the play unfolded, Kay provided the play-by-play, while John Sterling echoed the sentiments of disheartened Yankees fans with a repeated, exasperated “Oh my goodness.”
John Sterling’s visit to the stadium also featured a reunion with Suzyn Waldman on WFAN’s radio broadcast for the fourth and fifth innings, bringing a touch of nostalgia to an otherwise frustrating game for the Yankees.
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