John Sterling Opens Up About Yankees Retirement: 'Wasn't Hard at All'
The decision to step away from the microphone seemed inevitable for John Sterling. After serving as the iconic voice of the New York Yankees since 1989, Sterling officially announced his retirement on Monday, confirming speculations that had been circulating for some time.
In a candid conversation on WFAN's "Evan and Tiki," Sterling disclosed that the idea of retiring had been brewing in his mind for quite a while. "It wasn't hard at all," he confessed, revealing that retiring was something he had desired for an extended period. Reflecting on his decision, Sterling remarked, "I guess if I was smarter, I would have done this on March 1 or March 31.
Sterling's illustrious broadcasting career traces back to his days in Baltimore as the radio voice of the then-Baltimore Bullets during the 1970-71 NBA season. However, it was during the offseason after the Yankees missed the playoffs that Sterling found clarity about his future. "I lived my life as happily as I lived it," he shared, indicating that he should have stopped then. "I just don't want to do any more work. I've worked for 64 years, and in July, I'll be 86, so let's face it, my time has come.
While Sterling could have opted to continue broadcasting home Yankee games on WFAN, he admitted that he simply didn't have the desire to commit to the schedule anymore. The rigorous Major League Baseball calendar had taken its toll on Sterling in recent years, leading him to travel less frequently with the team. "I know the life I want to lead. I just lived it from October till the end of March," he affirmed.
Looking forward to retirement, Sterling expressed anticipation for the newfound freedom it would bring. "It was not a hard decision, and I cannot wait for it to finally happen," he declared. With excitement, he shared plans of spending more time with family and friends, emphasizing the newfound flexibility. "Now we can have dinner any time," he quipped.
Prior to his tenure with the Yankees, Sterling had lent his voice to various sports franchises, including the Nets, Islanders, Braves, and Hawks. As he prepares to bid farewell to the broadcast booth, Sterling will be honored during a ceremony at Yankee Stadium, followed by a visit to the WFAN booth during the broadcast.
For John Sterling, retirement marks the beginning of a new chapter—one he eagerly anticipates with joy and contentment.
Echoes of John Sterling's iconic voice, his wit, and his humor will forever resonate through the airwaves of Yankees radio," declared the radio station in a heartfelt statement.
As John Sterling embarks on his well-deserved retirement, the legacy he leaves behind is as enduring as his legendary calls. With gratitude and admiration, fans and colleagues alike bid farewell to an era, knowing that while the broadcast booth may change, the memories and impact of Sterling's voice will endure for generations of Yankees fans to come.
