Longtime New York Yankees play-by-play broadcaster John Sterling passed away at the age of 87 this week.
On Monday morning, reports circulated that longtime New York Yankees radio broadcaster John Sterling had died at the age of 87.
The enthusiastic broadcaster was the voice of the Yankees for more than 30 years, just retiring for good in 2024. He previously served as the voice of the Atlanta Braves and was well-known for his popular home run calls when the Yankees were at the plate.
After his death was confirmed, Toronto Blue Jays television broadcaster Dan Shulman took to social media to express his condolences.
He posted the following on "X."
Very sad to hear of the passing of John Sterling. A true original, the likes of which we will likely never see/hear again. He was always extremely kind and welcoming to me from the day we met, always greeting me with "Well, HELLO, Danny". He will be missed.
More on Sterling
Over 36 years as the voice of the team, Sterling called more than 5,600 Yankees games between the regular season and postseason. He called more than 5,000 straight Yankees games between 1989 and 2019.
The Yankees released a statement after this passing, with a portion of it reading:
“We pause today -- along with millions of Yankees fans around the world -- to recognize the passing of one of our own. 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...
Yankees-Blue Jays matchups this season
The Blue Jays won't host the Yankees at home until June 12-14, but it's likely fair to assume that the Blue Jays will honor Sterling in some way during that series.
Perhaps it will only be with a tribute in the Yankees broadcast booth, but something is sure to be done to honor one of the best broadcasting careers in baseball history.
ESPN play-by-play announcer Dan Shulman during the NBA game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Lakers 102-96. Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-Imagn ImagesElsewhere in Blue Jays news
The Jays (16-18) will open up a three-game series with the Tampa Bay Rays (21-12) on Monday night at Tropicana Field. It's the first series for the Jays at the Trop since 2024, since the Rays were forced to play at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa last season.
Left-hander Eric Lauer will take the ball on Monday night against right-hander Nick Martinez. First pitch is set for 6:40 p.m. ET.
The full pitching matchups can be viewed here.
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