John Sterling, the unmistakable radio voice of the New York Yankees and a familiar presence to Tampa baseball fans every spring, passed away at 87. His booming calls, his theatrical flair, and his unmistakable “Theeeee Yankees win!” became part of the soundtrack of the franchise for more than three decades.
Sterling called 5,426 regular‑season Yankees games and 225 postseason games from 1989 through his retirement in 2024. Tampa fans knew him well — not only because the Yankees train in Tampa every February and March, but because his broadcasts reached Florida year‑round on WWBA, the flagship station of Sports Talk Florida.
He stepped away from full‑time duties in April 2024 but returned late that season to call select games, including the entire World Series. He often said he lived a blessed life, spending more than 64 years behind a microphone and painting pictures for listeners who relied on radio to bring baseball to life.
Dave Sims Replaces Sterling
In the wake of the news on May 4, 2026, the sports media world, including those stepping into or working in the Yankees’ booth, shared their condolences, with reports highlighting the devastation felt throughout the organization. Dave Sims expressed high regard for Sterling, acknowledging their long professional acquaintance dating back to their time in the New York area. He referred to Sterling as a true “master of baseball broadcasting and a New York icon.”
Sterling’s longtime booth partner Suzyn Waldman called him “one of a kind,” a broadcaster whose personality filled every booth he worked in. Fans loved his signature home run calls — “Bern, baby, Bern!” among the most famous — and his playful, conversational style that made every game feel like a shared experience.
He called every at‑bat of Derek Jeter’s career and every inning of Mariano Rivera’s. He worked through the lean years of the early 1990s and the dynasty years that followed. His connection to the Yankees ran deep, and listeners could always tell whether the team was winning or losing simply by the pitch of his voice.
Sterling’s career stretched far beyond baseball. Before joining the Yankees, he called Hawks basketball and Braves baseball in Atlanta, and earlier in his career he worked Nets and Islanders games in New York. He also hosted talk shows on WMCA, WFAN, and WABC.
Loved By Players
Players across generations admired him. Aaron Judge said Yankees players often tried to guess what Sterling would come up with for their home run calls. Manager Aaron Boone called him “a voice for generations,” recalling Sterling’s toughness — including the night he kept calling a game after being struck by a foul ball.
Sterling’s final broadcast came on October 30, 2024, in Game 5 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees honored him at his retirement, saying he embodied the spirit of New York with his passion for baseball and broadcasting.
For Tampa Bay fans, Sterling’s voice was part of the rhythm of spring. For Yankees fans everywhere, he was the soundtrack of their summers. His impact on the game — and on the generations who grew up listening — will endure.
