Toronto – After an illustrious 36-year career as the iconic voice of the New York Yankees, John Sterling officially announced his retirement, leaving fans and executives alike contemplating the future of the team’s radio broadcast. Sterling’s sudden departure has prompted discussions about who will step into his legendary shoes as the play-by-play announcer for the Yankees on WFAN.
As the Yankees and WFAN navigate this transitional period, Justin Shackil and Emmanuel Berbari are currently holding down the fort alongside analyst Suzyn Waldman for the remainder of the season. However, a permanent replacement for Sterling is not expected to be named until after the season concludes. Both the radio station and the Yankees organization will have a hand in selecting Sterling’s successor, ensuring the new hire upholds the standard set by the venerable broadcaster.
Speculation surrounding Sterling’s retirement had been circulating since 2019, when he opted to end his streak of calling over 5,000 consecutive Yankees games due to feeling unwell. The door is now open for potential candidates like Shackil and Berbari, who have the unique opportunity to showcase their skills throughout the summer in front of an audience eager for a glimpse of the next voice of the Yankees.
While Shackil and Berbari are in the running, other contenders, such as Ryan Ruocco and Brendan Burke, bring their seasoned broadcasting experience to the table. Ruocco, a prominent NBA announcer for ESPN, and Burke, the voice of the New York Islanders, present viable alternatives as the Yankees weigh their options for the future of their broadcast team.
Before his retirement, Sterling had been scheduled to cover all home games for the Yankees, with Shackil and Berbari filling in during select road trips. The decision to step away from the grueling travel schedule was a tough one for Sterling, who cherished his time behind the mic for the Bronx Bombers since 1989. Known for his signature home run calls and enthusiastic “Thuuuugh Yankees win!” exclamations, Sterling’s contributions to the team will be commemorated in a special pregame ceremony at Yankee Stadium.
As the Yankees honor Sterling’s legacy, the search for his successor continues, with fans eagerly awaiting the announcement of the next voice of the Yankees. In reflecting on his storied career, Sterling expressed gratitude for his 64-year broadcasting journey, highlighting the privilege of calling Yankees games for over three decades, fulfilling a childhood dream in the process.