Yankees booth legend John Sterling makes a comeback with WABC

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John Sterling, who retired from the Yankees booth duty in 2024, has announced a one-hour new radio talk show on WABC.

NEW YORK – John Sterling, the iconic voice of the New York Yankees for over three decades, is set to make a return to the airwaves. The beloved broadcaster will launch a new chapter in his storied career, hosting a Saturday afternoon sports talk show on WABC Radio, beginning this Saturday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. The move marks a fresh start for Sterling, who recently stepped away from full-time play-by-play duties with the Yankees.

Sterling’s return to his roots

Speaking from his home in Edgewater, N.J., the 85-year-old Sterling expressed enthusiasm about getting back into radio — this time, behind the mic as a sports commentator rather than a game caller.

“Imagine someone looking for a job, but he’ll only work Saturday afternoon?” Sterling quipped, with his signature wit. “I think it’s a good thing,” he added, hinting that the hour-long show could expand in the future.

For Sterling, this new role is something of a homecoming. Long before WFAN brought 24-hour sports talk to New York in 1987, he was already hosting a call-in show on WMCA during the 1970s. His experience and passion for sports talk never left him, even as he became synonymous with Yankees baseball.

More than just baseball

Though Sterling’s legacy is deeply tied to the Yankees, his sports knowledge spans much further. “I watch everything,” he admitted, emphasizing his deep interest in all major sports. Fans tuning into his WABC show can expect lively discussions not only about baseball but also about the NBA, NHL, and NFL.

Sterling’s insights on current playoff races and league developments are sure to resonate with listeners, especially those who have missed his vibrant commentary since his retirement. His voice, still as robust and distinctive as ever, promises to bring a familiar charm to weekend radio.

A storied career behind the mic

John Sterling’s tenure with the Yankees began in 1989, and over the next 35 years, he called some of the most memorable moments in franchise history. From Derek Jeter’s rise to Aaron Judge’s home run records, he provided the soundtrack for generations of Yankees fans.

Known for his trademark home run calls — “It is high, it is far, it is gone!” — and his creative player-specific catchphrases, Sterling became a beloved figure in Yankees lore. His voice was as much a part of the team’s identity as the pinstripes on the players’ jerseys.

Sterling announced his retirement in the spring of 2024 but briefly returned for the Yankees’ September playoff push, including their World Series appearance against the Los Angeles Dodgers, where New York fell in five games.

Honored by the Yankees

Despite stepping away from play-by-play, Sterling remains a cherished figure within the Yankees organization. He will be honored at the upcoming Yankees Welcome Home Dinner, where he will receive the Pride of the Yankees Award — a fitting tribute to his decades-long contribution to the team and its fans.

Sterling’s decision to return to radio through a talk show format allows him to stay connected to the game and the sports world at large, but without the rigorous demands of a full season’s travel and broadcasting schedule.

A unique voice on New York Radio

WABC, traditionally not known for sports coverage, is making a bold move by bringing Sterling on board. “I’ll be the only one doing sports there,” he noted, highlighting his unique position within the station’s lineup. His presence could attract both longtime Yankees followers and broader sports fans who appreciate his depth of knowledge and distinctive delivery.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, Sterling’s new venture is a reminder of the enduring appeal of experienced, passionate voices in sports broadcasting. His show will offer fans a blend of nostalgia and timely commentary — a combination that’s likely to resonate in a city that never stops talking about its teams.

The future ahead

Sterling’s Saturday show on WABC is not just another gig; it’s a celebration of a career that has meant so much to New York sports. While his days in the Yankees booth may have concluded, his voice — so closely tied to the franchise’s modern history — will continue to echo across the airwaves.

Fans eager to hear Sterling’s takes on the Yankees, playoff races, and the latest sports headlines can tune in each Saturday. And who knows? With his passion still burning bright, this one-hour slot may soon grow into something more.

For now, John Sterling is back — and for Yankees fans and sports lovers alike, that’s a win worth celebrating.

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