John Sterling, who has been the radio voice for the New York Yankees since 1989, called the final game.
The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand broke the news It was announced on Monday that Mr Sterling, 85, will announce his immediate retirement this Saturday. The Yankees later confirmed the news, and Sterling, who is known for his individual home run calls and ending games with “Yay, Yankees win,” released a statement.
I spoke briefly with Sterling shortly after his retirement announcement became official.
C: When did you make this decision?
Sterling: I’ve wanted to do this for a long time. It should have been March 1st. Throughout the winter months of October, November, December, January, February, and March, I lived my best life and regretted the beginning of the season. I should have quit then.
But it doesn’t matter. That’s all. I couldn’t be happier. I’m very excited. I can’t wait for it to finish airing. I’ve been on the air since February 1, 1960, and I’m tired. I want to do what I want to do, like from October to March, and I will.
S.I.：How much do you plan to watch Yankees baseball after you retire?
sterling: That’s my life. I plan on watching and listening to Yankees 162 games, Mets 162 games, and every game on ESPN, Turner, and MLB Network. And as you know, the hockey and basketball playoffs are currently underway. I am living the best life ever. I love living where I live now. It’s true. I live in a great location overlooking the Hudson River, so everything in my life is going great and I can’t wait to quit.
The challenge, of course, is that my voice, for reasons I don’t know, never turns back. That’s why you can play games easily. But I filled my cup, as they say.
C: Yankees fans are congratulating you on social media. I know you don’t do social media. Is there a message you would like to share with your fans about the love you are receiving?
sterling: thank you. thank you. That’s excellent. You’ll feel better.
Sterling called 5,060 consecutive games for the Yankees from 1989 to July 2019. Before becoming the Yankees’ spokesperson, Sterling called games for the Atlanta Braves, as well as the Atlanta Hawks, New Jersey Nets, and New York Islanders.
