The Yankee Stadium crowd offered a poignant tribute to a voice synonymous with the New York Yankees, altering its traditional roll call to honor the late John Sterling. The legendary radio announcer, whose career spanned decades, was remembered by many, including former Yankees manager Joe Girardi, who shared his deep admiration for Sterling’s passion and unique spirit.
Remembering an Iconic Voice
Joe Girardi, now a YES Yankees analyst, expressed his profound sadness upon hearing of Sterling’s passing. “Just sadness because I know how much he meant to the organization, to the Yankees, to me, [and] to people,” Girardi told Fox News Digital. He emphasized Sterling’s genuine passion for his work, calling him an inspiration. “He had a gift, but he truly had a passion. For that, his example was great. I miss him. I miss hearing him on the radio because there’s a lot of times I’m traveling and I’ll put the game on the radio.”
Girardi recalled a conversation with Sterling’s long-time broadcast partner, Suzyn Waldman, who noted Sterling’s unwavering authenticity. “She said something that really resonated with me about John. She goes, ‘John only did what he wanted to do and never did anything he didn’t want to do.’ You think about living your life – that’s a good life,” Girardi explained, reflecting on Sterling’s ability to live life to the fullest and enjoy his work.
Sterling’s Enduring Legacy
Sterling, who joined the Yankees in 1989 and remained with the organization until April 2024, left an indelible mark on one of sports’ most iconic franchises. His voice was a constant presence, accompanying Yankees fans through countless games and memorable moments. Girardi fondly remembers Sterling’s distinctive approach to broadcasting, even recalling an instance during an interview where Sterling paused to take a call from his wife, demonstrating his priorities and unique character.
“We were in the middle of the interview and he stops the tape. He takes his phone out of his pocket… He says, ‘Darling, I’m doing the manager’s show. I’ll call you back in three minutes.’ I ‘m thinking, ‘Who does that?’ He beats his own drum so much, he stopped right in the middle of the show, and I believe we started over. But obviously that call was very important to him. When I think about it today, and this was many years ago, I still laugh today,” Girardi shared, highlighting Sterling’s memorable personality.
Signature Calls and Personal Connection
Sterling was also celebrated for his creative and often humorous home run calls, each tailored to the batter. Phrases like “It is high, it is far, it is gone!” followed by unique calls for players such as Alex Rodriguez’s “A-bomb from A-Rod” or Aaron Judge’s “Here comes the Judge!” became eagerly anticipated by listeners.
Girardi noted Sterling’s incredible creativity and quick wit, remarking, “He was so creative – I wasn’t given that gene. He was so creative, I always wondered how he thought of it, how long it took him to think of it, and he never missed a beat.” Beyond the famous calls and his remarkable streak of calling 5,060 consecutive games, Girardi emphasized Sterling’s genuine care for individuals. “What you saw was how much he cared about you as an individual and how much he cared you had success,” Girardi said.
An Example for Life
Ultimately, Joe Girardi sees John Sterling as more than just a broadcaster; he was an example of how to live a fulfilling life. “He was an example of how you were supposed to live,” he stated. “Find your passion and do it as long as you can. Joe Torre used to always say, ‘Don’t ever take your uniform off until they take it off you.’ That was John Sterling.” Girardi concluded that Sterling’s dedication and love for his profession serve as a valuable lesson for everyone.
