The Yankees clinched their first World Series berth since 2009 with a 5-2 win over the Guardians in Game 5 of the ALCS on Saturday night, and longtime broadcaster John Sterling was there to narrate the pivotal moments.
When Juan Soto secured the final out in right field in the 10th inning, Sterling delivered one of his signature calls. He emphatically declared the Yankees’ victory in the series, wrapping it up with his iconic “Theeeeeee Yankees win!” catchphrase. The legendary Yankees voice likened the team’s on-field celebration to the finale of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” painting a vivid picture of the players’ joy.
The moment echoed Sterling’s call from the ALDS when the Yankees ousted the Royals, although without the TV show reference. As the game ended, he summed up the Yankees’ postseason run, noting their strong performances and setting the stage for their World Series showdown against either the Dodgers or the Mets.
Sterling also had the chance to narrate two critical home runs during the game. Giancarlo Stanton blasted his fourth homer of the series in the sixth inning to tie the game at 2-2. Then, in the 10th inning, Soto battled Guardians reliever Hunter Gaddis in an extended at-bat before crushing a three-run homer to center, giving the Yankees a decisive lead.
His final call of the ALCS came as Lane Thomas lifted a fly ball to right field, where Soto made the catch that sent the Yankees to the World Series.
Having retired in April after a 36-year career calling Yankees games, Sterling made a brief return at the end of the regular season, agreeing to cover both home and road games for the playoffs. He rejoined WFAN to broadcast one last postseason stretch, using the final series of the regular season as a warm-up for October.
With the Yankees advancing, Sterling now has another chance to call a World Series for the Bronx Bombers.
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