Retired Yankees broadcaster John Sterling dies at 87

Key Points:

• John Sterling, the iconic New York Yankees radio broadcaster known for his distinctive home run calls and enthusiastic "theee Yankees win!" catchphrase, died at age 87 following heart complications.
• Sterling called 5,631 Yankees games over 36 years, retiring in April 2024 due to fatigue but briefly returning for the postseason; his personalized home run calls became a cherished part of Yankees culture.
• Born Josh Sloss, Sterling began his broadcasting career in 1960 and worked with multiple sports teams before joining the Yankees in 1989, ultimately becoming one of the franchise's most memorable voices.
• He was inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2016 alongside co-broadcaster Suzyn Waldman and is survived by his former wife Jennifer, triplets Bradford, Derek, Veronica, and daughter Abigail.
• Sterling was celebrated for his theatrical and unapologetically unique style, which he credited as setting him apart in the broadcasting world, a sentiment echoed by fellow announcer Harry Caray.