Iconic Radio Broadcaster, Known for His Theatrical Style, Dead at 87

John Sterling, long-time sports announcer for the New York Yankees, has died. Sterling is most famous for his theatrical delivery following a win by the Bronx Bombers. After the game's final out, he would declare, "Yankees win! Theeeeee Yankees win!" Sterling was 87 years old.

"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," read a statement from WFAN on X. "Rest in peace, John."

Sterling first joined the Yankees broadcast in 1989. Known by many as "the voice of the Yankees," he called more than 5,000 games over the course of his career. He retired in 2024 due to health concerns, CBS News reports.

"As a little boy growing up in New York as a Yankees fan, I was able to broadcast the Yankees for 36 years. It's all to my benefit, and I leave very, very happy," he said after announcing his decision to retire.

Sterling, who was inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2016, will be missed by family, friends, colleagues, and thousands of baseball fans.

"Yankees fans, we lost a legend today. John Sterling passed away at 87. So many great and funny memories. He will be missed, and never forgotten," one person wrote on X.

"Rest easy, John Sterling. The voice of summer nights, the soundtrack to generations of Yankees fans, and the man who made every home run feel larger than life. 'It is high, it is far, it is gone' will echo forever in the Bronx. Thank you for the memories," someone else said.

Sterling is survived by his four children.

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This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 9:12 AM.