How a surprise phone call turned John Sterling into a Yankees legend

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In the pantheon of New York Yankees history, John Sterling stands as a towering legend even without a day in pinstripes. However, his journey to becoming the “Voice of the Yankees,” began not with a carefully planned career move, but with an unexpected telephone call that altered the trajectory of baseball broadcasting history.

As Sterling enjoys his retirement in April 2024 following his final broadcasts during the Yankees’ championship run last season, new stories continue to emerge about how this broadcasting icon stumbled into what would become his life’s defining role.

A career-defining call for John Stearling

In the early 1980s, John Sterling was honing his craft as a baseball broadcaster in Atlanta. It was during this period that he received a life-altering phone call. The New York Yankees‘ general manager expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s current broadcast team and, being familiar with Sterling’s work, extended an invitation for him to join the Yankees’ broadcasting booth.

“I was then broadcasting baseball in Atlanta,” Sterling recounted in a recent interview reflecting on this pivotal moment. “A phone call said the Yankee GM didn’t like their broadcast team, knew my work and so I should come over. I had no agent. I called a lawyer friend. I said, ‘Call this guy and make a deal.’ No audition, no nothing. He rang me back and said, ‘We have a deal.'”

Money an enticement

When asked about the ever-growing popularity of baseball despite concerns about the pace of play and changing fan demographics, Sterling offered a characteristically blunt assessment.

“Because they make a lot of money, that’s why,” he said. “When I was 21 I got on the air way upstate. I made 60 bucks a week — and the last 50 years it’s been the Yankees.”

Those humble beginnings—earning $60 weekly at a small upstate New York station—contrast dramatically with the multi-million dollar broadcasting contracts commonplace today. The YES Network, which broadcasts Yankees games, generated approximately $615 million in revenue in 2024, according to industry reports, underscoring Sterling’s point about baseball’s financial evolution.

Decades behind the microphone

This serendipitous opportunity marked the beginning of Sterling’s illustrious tenure with the Yankees, spanning over three decades. Throughout his career, he became renowned for his distinctive broadcasting style and memorable catchphrases. His signature call, “Ballgame over! Yankees win! Theeeeeee Yankees win!” became synonymous with Yankees victories and was eagerly anticipated by fans. Sterling’s personalized home run calls for players further endeared him to the audience, adding a unique flair to each broadcast. ​

Memorable moments and anecdotes

Sterling’s career was punctuated by numerous memorable moments. He prided himself on broadcasting every game of Yankees legends Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera, witnessing firsthand their contributions to the team’s storied history. However, the live nature of broadcasting also led to occasional on-air missteps.

Recalling one such instance in San Francisco, Sterling shared, “They play afternoons because it’s so cold there at night. So I’m on air making a point and I say, ‘Great that we have Saturday night off in San Francisco, so we can taste the fruits of this great city.’ My partner next to me went pale. I thought he was going to have a stroke. After a minute I realized what I’d said.” ​

The evolution of baseball broadcasting

Over the years, Sterling witnessed and adapted to the evolving landscape of baseball broadcasting. The game’s pace and the introduction of new rules presented challenges for broadcasters aiming to keep audiences engaged. Sterling noted the team’s efforts to expedite gameplay, stating, “The team has wanted other changes, like they want the pitchers to pitch quicker because the games take so long.” ​
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Retirement and brief return

In April 2024, after 36 years of service, Sterling announced his retirement from broadcasting. However, his passion for the game and the Yankees led him to return to the booth later that year to call the team’s postseason games. This return culminated in a memorable call during the Yankees’ victory over the Guardians in the American League Championship Series, securing their first World Series berth since 2009. Sterling’s enthusiastic proclamation, “Ballgame over, American League Championship Series over. Yankees win. Theeeeeee Yankees win,” resonated with fans and players alike. ​

Legacy and succession

Following the 2024 season, Sterling retired from his role, leaving behind a legacy of passionate and distinctive broadcasting. His departure paved the way for Dave Sims, a seasoned broadcaster with previous experience at WFAN, to take over the play-by-play duties for the Yankees. Sims expressed his enthusiasm about returning to New York and stepping into the role, stating, “It’s great to be home. What an honor to be part of the iconic Yankees franchise.” ​

Sterling remains towering

John Sterling’s journey from an unexpected phone call to becoming the enduring voice of the New York Yankees exemplifies the serendipitous nature of careers in sports broadcasting. His unique style, memorable catchphrases, and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on the world of baseball broadcasting, ensuring his legacy will be cherished by Yankees fans for generations to come.

The spontaneous nature of Sterling’s hiring stands in stark contrast to today’s extensively vetted broadcasting appointments. Dave Sims, who assumed Sterling’s play-by-play responsibilities for the 2025 season, underwent multiple rounds of auditions and interviews before securing the position. The difference highlights how broadcasting, like baseball itself, has evolved from an instinct-driven profession to one increasingly shaped by data and deliberate decision-making.

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