The baseball world is in mourning after the passing of John Sterling, the legendary voice of the New York Yankees, who died Monday at age 87. The team confirmed the news, sparking an outpouring of grief from fans, players, and broadcasters who grew up with his unmistakable calls.
Sterling was the radio voice of the Yankees from 1989 until his retirement in 2024. His signature phrase—'It is high, it is far, it is gone!'—became a beloved tradition for generations of fans. He called five World Series championships and was a constant presence in the booth for over three decades.
The Yankees released a statement expressing their sorrow. 'The Yankees mourn the loss of legendary broadcaster John Sterling. Our thoughts are with John’s family, friends and loved ones at this time,' the team said.
Major League Baseball also paid tribute, calling Sterling 'a unique style and passionate play-by-play announcer' who 'endeared himself to generations of players and fans.' The league noted his seven-decade career included stints with the Atlanta Braves and Hawks, the New York Nets and Islanders, and the Baltimore Bullets.
Fans and media figures shared their memories online. WFAN, the flagship station for Yankees broadcasts, wrote: 'We are devastated to hear about the passing of John Sterling, a WFAN and Yankees radio icon whose voice was synonymous with an entire generation of Yankee fandom.'
ESPN's Tony Reali offered a heartfelt tribute: 'There is no relationship a young sports fan has like the one they have with their local announcer. For me, it's my mom, my dad, and John Sterling. Mellifluous, bombastic, wonderfully gas baggy: everything you want in your home team baseball announcer.'
Sterling's impact extended beyond baseball. His career began in the 1950s, covering a wide range of sports. He was known for his energetic, sometimes theatrical style that made even routine plays feel monumental. Fans often joked that his calls were as much a part of the game as the action on the field.
The news of his death comes just months after his retirement, and many are calling for his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. 'Put him in Monument Park and the Hall of Fame. He is broadcasting royalty,' one fan posted.
Sterling's legacy will live on in the memories of countless fans who listened to him on summer afternoons and autumn nights. He was more than a broadcaster—he was a companion, a storyteller, and the soundtrack to Yankees history.
For more tributes to sports broadcasting legends, read about NHL Legend John Garrett Dies at 74 in Hotel, Tributes Flood In and Georgia Radio Shocker: Legendary Voice Scott Howard Forced Out After 30+ Years.
