John Sterling has died at the age 87. The legendary Yankees radio voice spent 35 years behind the microphone — and his passing drew immediate tributes from broadcasting legends Mike Francesa and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo via SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio.
What We Know: Sterling called 5,426 regular-season Yankees games from 1989 through 2024. He also worked 225 postseason games, including eight World Series — five of which ended in championships. Moreover, he called 5,060 consecutive games, covering every at-bat of Derek Jeter’s career and every inning of Mariano Rivera’s. His final broadcast came October 30, 2024, as the Dodgers defeated the Yankees in Game 5 of the World Series.
What They Said: Mike Francesa via SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio: “I knew that he had been very ill, but it still was a surprise and sad to hear that he had passed today. I think in the aftermath, it’s really become a celebration more than anything else. He would have enjoyed it very much. I think he would have enjoyed it a great deal whatever he’s heard about himself today.”
Chris “Mad Dog Russo via SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio: “When he landed in the Yankees radio booth job, and I don’t think in the beginning he was very happy, because I think he wanted to do TV. But the Yankees radio booth became the perfect stage for his talents. Plus, he hit a team that never lost. He hit a team that had dramatic play after dramatic play. Also, the radio guy gets to do all the games while the TV guy gets none of the postseason. He gets none of the big games, none of the history. He gets none of the games that people remember. The radio guy does, and that launched John [Sterling] to a very special place in this town.”
Mike Francesa: “John [Sterling] hit the team at the right time. He did eight World Series, and five World Series championships. This team won 90 to 100 games every single year. This guy never took a game off. He never took any off and of the nine innings. He wanted to do every minute, every game. So, he is the soundtrack of Yankees baseball.”
What Remains Unclear: Francesa credited Russo with helping to cultivate Sterling’s signature home run calls — suggesting Sterling crafted them partly to get airplay on Mike and the Mad Dog on WFAN. Additionally, the full scope of Sterling’s impact on Yankees radio culture may take years to fully measure. His story, however, began with a man who simply wanted to be on television according to Russo.
What It Means: Sterling was, as Francesa put it, “the soundtrack of Yankees baseball.” He never missed a game. He never skipped an inning. Furthermore, he arrived at the right moment. In speaking with many of his peers today following the announcement of his passing, the amount of respect his career has received is daunting. Ultimately, his legacy stands as a reminder that radio, done right, can outlast every other medium.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
