Legendary New York Yankees radio voice John Sterling says he is on the mend after suffering a heart attack in early January, offering an encouraging update that reflects the resilience that defined a broadcasting career spanning more than six decades and thousands of games behind the microphone.
Sterling, 87, shared the news during a weekend appearance on WFAN, explaining that his heart remains strong even as he works to regain strength in his legs, which have limited his mobility during recovery.
While he acknowledged the physical challenges that come with the rehabilitation process, he expressed gratitude for his overall prognosis and maintained the optimistic tone that listeners came to expect throughout his time calling Yankees baseball.
“I’m kind of waiting for the force to leave my legs and I can get back out there,” Sterling said. “I’m very fortunate, and all things are good.”
Despite the setback, Sterling emphasized that doctors have given him positive feedback about his cardiac health, which has provided reassurance to both the veteran broadcaster and the audience that followed his career for decades.
Although he stepped away from full-time play-by-play duties in April 2024, Sterling’s connection to sports remains intact. During his recovery, he has filled his days watching basketball, keeping up with the Winter Olympics and, more recently, tuning in to Spring Training action, reinforcing the lifelong fandom that shaped his professional path.
He described himself as blessed to have grown up loving sports, a passion that ultimately turned into one of the most recognizable careers in baseball broadcasting history.
Sterling retired after calling 5,631 regular-season and postseason games for the Yankees, including an extraordinary streak of 5,060 consecutive contests that ended in July 2019 due to illness. Over the years, he battled a series of health challenges, including a blood infection in 2020, and travel demands increasingly took a toll in the seasons leading up to his retirement.
Nevertheless, he briefly returned to the booth late in the 2024 season and during the postseason before ultimately closing the chapter on his Yankees tenure.
Beyond baseball, Sterling’s resume includes work with the Nets, Islanders, Braves and Hawks, along with induction into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame. His signature home run calls and unmistakable baritone delivery became woven into the soundtrack of Yankees history.
As he continues his recovery, Sterling credited his four children for providing hands-on support throughout the process, saying they have taken charge of day-to-day responsibilities and ensured he remains in good spirits.
“I couldn’t have done anything without them,” he said. “They have been sensational in taking care of me.”
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