Sports world reacts to Yankees' John Sterling's death: He was truly one of a kind
John Sterling, play-by-play announcer of the New York Yankees, stands with family members, Suzyn Waldman and Yankees players during his retirement ceremony at Yankee Stadium on April 20, 2024. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
The sports world reacted with sadness on Monday to the passing of iconic Yankees broadcaster John Sterling.
“That kind of love for a team and that kind of love for his fan base, there will never be another person like that," Suzyn Waldman, Sterling’s longtime radio broadcast partner, said in an appearance on WFAN. "He never wrote anything down. So, what came out of him, came out of his heart . . . Every day was a unique, funny, strange, wonderful experience. One of a kind.”
Michael Kay, Sterling's longtime radio partner before he left for the YES Network, opened his ESPN NY radio show on Monday with heartfelt thoughts about Sterling.
"I look at John as one of the closest friends I've ever had," Kay said. "And the funny part is the people that are listening or watching right now probably feel the same way, because you spent 36 summers with him as the voice of the Yankees on the radio, and the good news that he brought you, the five championships that he brought you, all the great moments that he brought you."
Yankees manager Aaron Boone and captain Aaron Judge each posted their thoughts on social media.
"We lost a legend today," Boone wrote. "Grateful to have known and crossed paths with John. You will be missed but never forgotten. #RIP #yankeeswintheeeeeyankeeswin."
"Tough day in New York hearing this news," wrote Judge. "Thank you John for everything you gave baseball and Yankee fans around the world. The stories you told over the years and the moments you called will live on forever."
Alex Rodriguez, the named Yankee in Sterling's "An A-bomb, from A-Rod" home run call, expressed his sentiments on social media.
"John Sterling was one of one. I loved him, and I’ll always be grateful for how good he was to me throughout my career," Rodriguez wrote. "No one loved baseball more than John. He was a true ambassador for the game, beloved and revered by everyone who knew him or heard his voice. I’ll never forget hearing him and Suzyn call games, and his incredible Hank Aaron stories."
Mets radio broadcaster Howie Rose posted on X: “I’m terribly sad to hear of the passing of John Sterling. He was truly one of a kind. A unique character who was blessed with pipes from above. Spoke to him a little over a month ago and although he didn’t sound great, this news still comes as a shock. RIP, old friend.”
The Yankees issued a statement Monday afternoon.
“We pause today — along with millions of Yankees fans around the world — to recognize the passing of one of our own,” the team wrote. “John Sterling breathed life and excitement into Yankees games for 36 years while wearing his passion for baseball and the Yankees on his sleeve. He informed and entertained generations of fans with a theatrical and unapologetic style that was uniquely his own.
“John treasured his role as the voice of the New York Yankees, and his enthusiasm for the art of broadcasting perfectly complemented our city and our fans. The symmetry between John and his audience was both undeniable and magical, and his signature calls will resonate for as long as we put on pinstripes — especially after every Yankees win.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to the entire Sterling family, as well as his long list of loved ones and friends.”
Sterling’s death was first reported on WFAN during the “Boomer & Gio” morning show.
“We got some sad breaking news from Al [Hughes] just now and [it] has been confirmed that one of the great voices in New York sports history has passed away. John Sterling has died,” co-host Gregg Giannotti said.
Said Boomer Esiason: “Tonight is gonna be an amazing night at Yankee Stadium.”
The Yankees are hosting the Orioles at 7:05 p.m.
Anthony Rieber covers sports media and business and professional sports (you know, games and trades and things). He has worked at Newsday since Aug. 31, 1998, and has been in his current position since Jan. 1, 2026.
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