John Sterling, the voice of the New York Yankees for 35 years, died Monday in Englewood, New Jersey, at 87, his son confirmed. The broadcaster called more than 5,420 regular‑season games, eclipsing legends like Mel Allen and Phil Rizzuto. His signature home‑run catchphrases – from “A‑bomb for A‑Rod!” to “Judgian blast!” – made him a cultural fixture for fans.

Sterling retired abruptly in early 2024, citing waning stamina after a streak of 5,060 consecutive games that ended on his 81st birthday. Though his exuberant delivery sometimes misread fly balls, listeners tuned in on WABC, WCBS and WFAN, where his suit‑and‑tie presence lent gravitas to a medium that cannot be seen. His polarizing style sparked debate among purists and cemented a loyal fan base.

The void left by Sterling’s death falls on WFAN’s flagship Yankees broadcast, now occupied by Dave Sims. Advertisers and syndicators will feel the loss of his distinctive branding, which routinely generated spikes in listener ratings during home‑run moments. As the franchise mourns, the broadcast team must rebuild without the man who called more Yankees games than anyone before him.