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In recent years, Sterling faced more challenges with traveling, despite his plans to cover many home games and a few road trips this season. After the Yankees’ initial trip to Houston and Arizona, Sterling felt fatigued. On April 7, he announced his retirement after broadcasting a victorious 8-3 game against the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium.

Sterling, a New York native from the Upper East Side of Manhattan, became a member of the Yankees broadcast team in 1989 after working for TBS and WSB Radio in Atlanta. During his time there, he announced for the Hawks (1981-89) and Braves (1982-87). This was a homecoming of sorts for Sterling, as he had previously found success in the city while hosting a talk show on WMCA (1971-78) and calling games for the Nets (1975-80) and Islanders (1975-78) on various stations including WVNJ, WWOR-TV, and SportsChannel.

The famous “Sterling Shake” celebration call, along with clever phrases added to live game commentary and unique home run calls, were all part of renowned announcer John Sterling’s style. He announced 5,060 consecutive games from September 1989 to July 2019, covering every moment of Derek Jeter’s, Mariano Rivera’s, and many others’ careers.

No other individual will possess the same level of passion for a team and their fans as this person. I hope on Saturday, everyone will show their appreciation to him. It’s important to acknowledge that he had the opportunity to live out a dream that most of us will never experience.

On Monday, Yankees’ leader Aaron Judge expressed his sorrow upon hearing of Sterling’s decision to retire. He acknowledged how important Sterling’s radio broadcasts are to his parents, Patty and Wayne, as they listen every night.

“We extend our congratulations to John for an extraordinary and outstanding career. His impact on this iconic sport and the Yankees organization will resonate for years to come.”

Boone expressed disappointment and sorrow, stating that he wants the person in question to be in a good and healthy place going forward. He acknowledges that the timing feels right and it is ultimately the best decision for John. He believes that John will always have a strong connection to the Yankees and will continue to inspire future generations. In his own way, Boone pays tribute to John every day. He will be greatly missed and Boone is looking forward to celebrating him properly this weekend.

At Rogers Centre, in the visitors’ dugout, Aaron Boone, the manager of the Yankees, enthusiastically imitated Sterling’s behavior, joyfully replicating the beginning of a home run announcement: “IT’s going deep to left!”

“The best way to exit is by making your own decision and feeling truly content with it,” stated Waldman. “He is aware of his accomplishments in this field and understands that he is adored by many, as there is no one else like him.”

The New York Yankees shared that fans enjoy the familiar routine of baseball and John Sterling’s role as a broadcaster brought them a sense of comfort. For years, through every season and in every city, John used his spot in the booth to bring the game to life for Yankees fans. His booming voice and vibrant personality were uniquely his own. John not only educated and entertained, but he also embodied the unapologetically bold and lively spirit of a New Yorker, showcasing his love for baseball, broadcasting, and the Yankees.

Previously, Sterling was known for announcing Morgan State Football for eight years and Washington Bullets basketball in 1981. He has also hosted talk shows on WFAN and WABC in New York, as well as working for WMCA for seven years and a year at WSB in Atlanta. Sterling has a reputation for being the master of ceremonies at prominent Yankees events and has gained recognition for his emcee duties at City Hall, where he and his former radio partner Michael Kay would host the “Key to the City” ceremonies after Yankees won the World Series.

My parents enjoy listening to the radio and particularly enjoy when Suzyn and John engage in conversation. Even when they reminisce about past home runs or significant moments in Yankees history, it is always a treat to hear John’s voice. His presence will surely be missed.

“I consider myself extremely fortunate,” stated Sterling. “I have been able to pursue my passion for broadcasting for 64 years. As a young boy from New York and a fan of the Yankees, I had the opportunity to broadcast for them for 36 years. It has been a great privilege and I am content and grateful. I am eager to reunite with everyone on Saturday.”