Yankees’ legendary announcer John Sterling is retiring

The New York Yankees and legendary announcer John Sterling go hand in hand. Sterling has been calling games for the Yankees since 1989 and even strung together an impressive streak of 5,000 consecutive games called. Last year, Sterling was even hit by a foul ball and then stated he wasn’t “going on the IL.”

However, there was a growing expectation that Sterling was expected to announce his retirement due to health concerns, per a report from Andrew Marchand of The Athletic.

‘The legendary radio voice of the Yankees, John Sterling, is planning to hold a news conference Friday where he is expected to announce plans on his future, he told The Athletic. There is an expectation among Yankees and WFAN officials that he will retire because of health concerns, according to people with direct knowledge of the situation. The team and the station have left it up to Sterling, leaving the possibility he could change his mind.’

Shortly after, Sterling officially announced his retirement, per Bryan Hoch.

“I am a very blessed human being. I have been able to do what I wanted, broadcasting for 64 years. 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. I look forward to seeing everyone again on Saturday.”

To honor Sterling, he will be recognized during Saturday’s game, per Hoch.

‘John Sterling will be recognized in a pregame press conference on Saturday at Yankee Stadium. He will also visit the WFAN booth during the game.’

The Yankees released a lengthy statement on Sterling’s decision to retire, per Mark Feinsand.  Sterling has already cut back on some road games this season, and Justin Shackil and Emmanuel Berbari are expected to replace Sterling.

Yankees fans and baseball fans remember the best of John Sterling