END OF AN ERA

I crossed paths with John Sterling once, and it felt exactly how you’d hope it would. He was warm, gracious, and every bit the gentleman his voice suggested. We traded a few pleasantries, and I told him something I’d meant for years—that listening to him was a comfort, like a familiar rhythm in the background of life. I loved him in the booth, especially alongside Suzyn Waldman. Together, they weren’t just calling games—they were part of the experience. Yup, sometimes it was absurd, but many times looking back... it just worked.

There was always something a little larger-than-life about John Sterling. Not just the voice, but the presence behind it.

And now, some tough news to take in: John Sterling has passed away at 87. The New York Yankees confirmed it Monday. He took over play-by-play duties in 1989 and somehow turned consistency into legend—over 5,000 consecutive broadcasts without missing a game. That’s an ironman saga. Even when he eased into a lighter schedule later on, his voice never lost its spark.

And those calls… unforgettable. “It is high, it is far, it is gone!” still echoes like it’s bouncing off the upper deck. And when it was all said and done: “Ballgame over. Yankees win. Theeeeeeeee Yankees WIN!”—no one stretched a moment quite like he did.

Rest easy, John. Thanks for the soundtrack.

MAYBE THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF STERLING'S RETURN SENDS POSITIVE VIBES TO SINKING YANKEES

The headline is specific because it has to be. The Yankees stink.  I put a tweet out the other day because we all hate Clay Holmes right now, but I hate Aaron Boone more.  

I mean, Holmes can't shut shit down as our closer, this is true, but Boone's the one who trots this guy out there.  Boone's responsible.  Boone's ridiculous.  

Right now, the Yankees are a half game out of first.  I'm not throwing my Yankee gear in the garbage any time soon, but once again I do have to question why this team is so damn inconsistent.  I'll tell you why, the manager sucks.  More to that, it's what another guy tweeted the other day, I love the Yankees... I hate the Yankees organization, meaning, the front office, the guys who make terrible decisions... the guys who try to steal from the fans of all their money with bad food and constant commercials of the one free agent who has done everything along with Aaron Judge... Juan Soto.

Even John Sterling abruptly retired.  While I secretly was hoping to see a story about how Sterling left because he can't stand the Yankees decision making, it's another story... this one is about how Sterling is coming back... and that's cool.

Sports Illustrated writes:

"The Yankees are bringing back retired announcer John Sterling to call playoff games for WFAN-AM, according to a Thursday afternoon report from Andrew Marchand of The Athletic.... Per Marchand, Sterling "will call both home and road games for the Yankees in October," "team up with his longtime partner, (color commentator) Suzyn Waldman," and "call some regular-season tune-up games to prepare for the playoffs."

After the playoffs, Sterling appears set to resume his retirement."

The craziest part about the entire story is actually thinking that we'd even go deep into the playoffs.  Sure, we'll make it, but I do not see this team doing much of anything with 2 hitters and a half ass pitching rotation.  While the story is nice, I feel like we're getting way too ahead of ourselves.  

Look, I'm glad to see John come back. That's the feel-good part of this.  Now we see if we'll feel good about the Yankees IN the playoffs.  Time will tell.

JOHN STERLING—GENERATIONS OF FANS LOVE YOU!

There is something calming about listening to a ball game on the radio. Having a familiar, consistent voice calling the play by play, providing game insights and a little humor, all while you are in the backyard, on a run, in the car. My brother recently relocated to Minnesota from Long Island. The miles ticked by quickly because there was that voice. Saturday, the Yankees honored John Sterling, a boy from the Bronx that became the voice of the New York Yankees for 36 years. He opened up the game to young fans listening in with their parents. He shared milestones, championships, and heartaches with us. He is John Sterling, and he is my broadcaster, and his iconic voice will live on for generations. 

“He gives you all the qualities that you would want in a broadcaster. He has the voice, the knowledge of the game, the ability to tell a story. He keeps you up to date on what has transpired in the field, and he has a great sense of humor. I think he captures the ambiance of the greatest franchise in all of professional sport,” said University of Rochester professor Curt Smith, a baseball author and historian per NJ.com. 

That is what we were treated to over the last 30+ years. His wit, his passionate home run calls, they were all part of the Yankees game. I remember my son and I riding up to Sacred Heart University one May for my niece's graduation. The weather was abysmal. And John Sterling in his genuine way, welcomed us to the broadcast with "Well, Suzyn, I thank you. It is an awful, awful day here at the Stadium." Ha! Appreciate the honesty, Mr. Sterling.

Then there was the time when my son and I got to the game eight hours early to ensure we were in line to get the best bobble head ever—The John and Suzyn from the broadcast booth bobble head. And who can forget all of the home run calls- which started with "Bern Baby Bern and ended with a Soto Photo." He made us even more jacked up about the game and the Yankees winning. From "Jorge Juiced One, to You're on the Mark, Teixeira, to All Rise, Here Comes the Judge," the calls just kept on coming. Some had a jingle to them. Some went on a lot longer than what was comfortable. But he didn't care. He was enjoying the moment. And he shared that enjoyment with all of us.

What does it mean to be passionate? A passionate person has very strong feelings about something or a strong belief in something. John is passionate about his craft—and the game of baseball. He is a Unicorn. He laughs at himself when he makes a mistake. He gets frustrated with the team when they don't hit or when pitchers don't throw strikes. He even shared frustrations about dugout leadership from time to time. He is the fans' broadcaster. He said the things we were often thinking. And he made even the more laborious games tolerable. 

The New York Post did a one-on-one interview with Sterling. It is a must read. It is like a manuscript documenting the words of a historian. He talks about his favorite games and players over the years. When asked what was his favorite call, his answer is classic. "I don’t think there is such a thing. I think the best call is heard by someone who likes it, and you could use that same call, and ask someone who dislikes me, and they wouldn’t like it. So I think it depends on who’s listening. Period." Typical John. 

What will John do during retirement, you ask? "Here’s my plan — I plan to listen and watch 162 Yankee games, 162 Mets games, all the games on Turner and ESPN, and all the games on MLB [Network]. You know that I’m also [a] basketball, hockey, football fan. Basketball and hockey are just starting their playoffs. I can’t wait to relax, sit back and watch and listen to the games," reported The Post. 

John is priceless. His imprint on this game is timeless. He crosses three generations of Yankee fans. And I am going to miss listening to him; anticipating his home run calls, his perspectives and of course the iconic "Thaaaa Yankees Win." John, you are a gem. I started listening to you in college, raised my kids listening to you, ran with you on some long runs, took many a road trip with you, did housework with you in the background. You have comforted me when life was hard, because I knew if I tuned in, you would be there. No one deserves the accolades and tributes than you. Thank you, John from a fan for life.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

JOHN STERLING RETIRES IMMEDIATELY

There's no other way to describe it, John Sterling was the G.O.A.T. in New York when it came to the Yankee broadcasts.  Don't get me wrong, some people didn't like him there. Some people thought he was a clown with his calls. I did not. There was something comforting to hearing John in the booth with Suzyn.  The home run calls were weird and sometimes didn't make much sense, but that's John and he did it for us.  Yesterday was the day that we found out that it was final... John retired, like immediately.  Sad, an end of an Era, but it was time.  

The New York Post writes:

"The Yankees announced Monday that Sterling is retiring, effective immediately, after 36 seasons of being synonymous with the franchise.

Known for his iconic voice, colorful personality, unique home run calls and announcing Yankees wins in a way only he could, the 85-year-old Sterling will be honored in a pregame ceremony Saturday afternoon at Yankee Stadium."

The Yankees honoring him is the right thing to do.  I love that they are doing a pregame ceremony.  He gave so much for so long. You gotta respect that.

The fact that health concerns is the issue makes sense.  If Sterling was in better health, I'm sure he'd keep going.

So, as BYB will do, we give our best to John. A tip of the cap as they say. Thank you. Thank you for giving us so much for so long.  You will be missed. 

Thank you.

JUST BRING ME SOME JOHN STERLING AND I'M GOOD

Source: WFAN

On the heels of an apparent deal that brings baseball by mid-July, Yankee fans are shouting out the obvious: "Just bring me some John Sterling and I'm good." 

"Major League Baseball is set to return. The MLB Players Association (MLBPA) informed the league on Tuesday that players will comply with commissioner Rob Manfred's imposed outline for a 2020 season. Players are set report for another version of "spring" training on July 1, and the league's imposed 60-game season will start July 24," reported CBS Sports on Tuesday night.

Source: NJ.com

This year is a throw away, when it comes to capacity and endurance of a true season, but it is a season, none the less, and that means, John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman will be at the mike again.

"It is the strangest year of my life, and I'm up there in years,” said Sterling, 81. “You can’t call up friends and family and book them for dinner, and obviously there's no baseball. All sports live on ‘what if?’ And there were so many great questions about baseball this year. The Yankees were primed to make a real long run and the Mets have an awfully good team, so the summer baseball in New York would have been fabulous this year," said Sterling via WFAN at the start of the pandemic.

Source: New York Times

It is honestly so much fun to listen to my 22-year-old son ask for Sterling and Waldman, calling them his "friends." "That's all I want. Just to listen to my friends call a game. I don't care about the outcome of the season as much as I care about listening to Sterling," said Chris Carbonaro.

Waldman calls for her life back and that includes baseball.  "People have asked me, 'How much do you want baseball back?' Well, I want my life back. Baseball is a part of that. I'm missing not being afraid. I went and got flowers to plant, and you're afraid. You go to the store and you're afraid. I don't like that. I don't like to be afraid,” said Waldman via WFAN at the start of the pandemic.

Source: Newsday

With The two sides finalizing health and safety protocols on Tuesday night, the 2020 season is set to start one month from today.  Let's hope there's not a loophole.  Let's hope there's not a lawsuit.  Let's hope we hear, "And now stepping up to the microphone is the voice of the New York Yankees. Mr. John Sterling." Sigh, let's hope.

--Suzie Pinstripe

BYB Managing Editor

Twitter: @suzieprof

JOHN STERLING SAYS THE RED SOX ARE JUST 'OK'

Source: Newsday

All the anxiety about last night's game came to an abrupt halt when I heard John Sterling bellow these words, "The Red Sox are just ok."  And just like, the Red Sox went from a threat to nothing special.  I guess the Yankees thought so too as they beat the Sox and tied them for first place in the AL East in a 3-2 win at home.

The Stadium was electric for the first Red Sox series of the season here in the Bronx.  As my mother said as we watched the game on Tuesday together, "We have to put up with the Red Sox for three days?"  Yes, but it is exciting none-the-less and three games against the Sox is enough to rial up fans on either side of Connecticut.

Source: Maddie Meyer | Getty Images

"The rivalry got a little stale for a few years there, but now that both teams are bona fide World Series contenders, things have started to heat back up. It's good for baseball when these two teams are good at the same time," reported CBS Sports.  "It has been more than a decade and a half since the Yankees and Red Sox have met while having the two best records in baseball."

 Source: Elsa/Getty Images North America

The Yankees overall had good at bats, which has been a trend for this year's team.  They force pitchers to throw a lot of pitches as they are collectively selective at the plate. And as Sterling said the Red Sox have a few good pitchers and a few good bats, but nothing else, they are just ok.  And I have to agree, not just because they are the Red Sox but because they really are just ok.  They don't have the charisma and depth of the Yankees who pull from a multitude of players to put together wins.  They may have Mookie Betts, but we have five more like him in our lineup.

Source: Winslow Townson | USA TODAY Sports

Before last night NJ.com reported, "the Boston Red Sox have the best record in the majors and the Yankees are next just a game off the pace. The Yankees certainly are the hottest with six wins in a row and an incredible 15-1 record over the last 16." Make that 16-1 (first time since 1953 we went 16-1), seven wins in a row and tied for first.  Look how far we have come in these first 60 or so days.

Source: Rick Yeatts/Getty Images North America

With David Price sitting this one out the Yankees face Rick Porcello tonight for round two.  At stake is sole possession of first place and depth in our lead over other AL East rivals.  As Jack Curry said, "The Yankees try and win in May and maybe have some fun times in October."  Sounds good to me.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: : @suzieprof

BE SMART. DON'T TARNISH THE YANKEE BRAND

"I guess the difference is most of you guys have never run anything" - Randy Levine

At first when I read that I wanted to ask Levine if he wanted some cheese with his wine because he was cracking under the pressure of running one of the most popular franchises in the world. I had no sympathy. Then I sat back and thought about it...and he's right. His statement refers to the constant question that has Yankee brass stressed out over. Should the Yankees be trade deadline sellers?

He is right. I have never run a franchise worth billions of dollars. I have never had the pressure of balancing a budget, making money and making fans happy. I wouldn't know where to begin. There are a lot of factors here to consider and I had to dig a little deeper until I realized why this is such a hard decision and why the Yankees have not made up their mind yet despite everyone telling them to hurry up.

The Yankees are more than just a baseball team. They rely on cash flow from sources like WFAN for example. If the Yankees decide to give up and get rid of their stars it could mean that rating would plummet. Part of the allure of this team, especially during the dynasty years are fans tuning in to hear about their favorite players like Andrew Miller for example. If the Yankees get rid of him....will people want to continue to tune in?

There's also CBS Radio to consider (WFAN's parent company). The Yankees are in the third year of a 10 year contract that they signed and CBS pays them millions of dollars each year. If the Yankees throw in the towel, they could lose an astronomical amount of money each year over the span of the contract. The Yankees may be worth billions....but they don't want to throw millions down the drain.

These kinds of losses could force WFAN and CBS to cut their losses in other ways....like laying off employees. Think about the talent that is also associated with these groups. Being profitable also means keeping icons like John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman on the air. Those thrilling Sterling home run calls or victory cries like "Ballgame over! Yankees win! Theeeeeee Yankees win!" are iconic. Can you imagine not hearing them? Not to say that losing money would mean Sterling and Waldman would be released BUT we have them now because the Yankees have created this brand that makes money. It's a result of the success their business has achieved.

The Yankees also have Fox, the majority owner of YES Network to consider. For the first time in history the Mets have beat the Yankees in TV ratings, read that HERE. It shows that putting a winning product on the field brings you viewers. It's never easy losing to the Mets both on and off of the field.

All of these platforms have one common denominator: drawing in advertisers. Consumers hate commercials, we are quick to change the channel most of the time but that is the bread in butter for TV and radio. The more sponsors the Yankees have the better and the more profitable they become. Advertisers know that if you aren't listening to a station that they aren't going to make money off of you....and they will find new places to make that money. 

Last but certainly not least are the fans. The Yankees know that if they give up on the season now that season ticket holders will not want to spend their hard earned money on seats. If the Yankees do not believe in their product now, why would next season be any different? It does not inspire people to renew their packages next season.

This isn't as simple as it looks. This isn't a quick transaction like buying a bathing suit at the store. It affects the financial future of the organization. It has long term effects that would cost the Yankees millions up front. It is easier to gamble like this with monopoly money. This is much more complex than we realize and making the wrong decision could damage the Yankees brand.

 --Jeana Bellezza, BYB Senior Writer & Editor
  Follow me on Twitter: @NYPrincessJ

PISS & VINEGAR... AND WALDMAN

During my sabbatical from Bleeding Yankee Blue, I really struggled to find anything about the New York Yankees to chime in on. The same issues I had last year with my beloved Bombers are still pretty much there…so why harp on them? We don't do that at BYB, which is why THE YANKEES SUCK! came to light yesterday. An almost "final" piece about how terrible the Yankees have been.  Us harping every day seemed counterproductive. I took time off to get through some stuff, get my legs at being a new dad and get off the grid. Did it work? I don’t know. Being a dad is the best kind of happiness though, so to paraphrase the Assistant Greens keeper at Bushwood Country Club,  

“So I got that goin’ for me…which is nice.” 

And then I heard it and it was time to write again. It cut through my brain like a bolt of lightening! It rang my eardrums like an off tune, broken, rusty piano…complete with a Boston accent. It was WFAN Broadcaster Suzyn Waldman.

I am in the car more than ever these days and am most always tuned into The Fan to catch the Yankee games. Now, John Sterling is an acquired taste there is no doubt there. He is corny and things like “An A BOMB, FROM A ROD!” or “MARK SENDS A TEX MESSAGE!” make my skin crawl…but for some reason his voice reminds me of the good old days in the late 1990’s. And I’ll admit it, “IT IS HIGH! IT’S FAR! IT. IS. GONE!” always makes me smile.

Suzyn Waldman on the other hand bothers me. A voice radio not too appealing to my ears. “RAWGAH CLEMINS IS COMING BAAAACK TO THE BRAWNX!” still gets me nauseous. 

She is ABSOLUTELY Boston’s way of sticking 'the Curse' stuff back in our collective faces. It’s almost like we are being Punk’d (something I know a bit about). It makes my drive nearly unbearable. She offers up the most obvious bile during her time on the mic. She does interviews in the pregame that make you wonder how the hell anyone would agree to sit down with her. In short, she makes an awful game worse in my opinion.  We should send her to Gitmo before they decide to close it. I’m sure her voice will get us all the Intel we need. Am I being over the top? You betcha! But hey, I’ve been away for a bit and this fired me up!

Look, I’m not dropping gems in this post, but in my opinion I’d rather get the game via Morse code than listen to the Play by Play with Suzyn in the booth!

I hope you are all having a great start to your spring!  I know, I know... I'm coming out raging mad!

 
--Mike O'Hara Senior "Features" Writer
Twitter: @mikeyoh21

POSADA, RETIRING #20 & ME

On September 4th, 1995, I sat in my living room, eating a slice of my birthday cake when Jorge Posada came in to replace Jim Leyritz in the ninth inning. My grandfather, who refused to miss the game even for his granddaughters birthday, pointed at the TV and told me that Jorge was my birthday gift.

Almost 20 years after that day, I sat in the stands at Yankee stadium while his number was retired. Honestly, it's still surreal.

Jorge was my childhood hero. Of the Core Four, my favorite had always been Jorge. His heart and dedication had always endeared him to me. When he played, he played to win, and his presence on the field demanded that everyone gave 1 million percent every time. He was true grit. I appreciated his work ethic, and the manner in which he carried himself. For me, there was no one on that field with more passion than Jorge. So, being at the stadium for the ceremony was very emotional for me.

There really are no words to describe the feel at the stadium. It was electric. Happiness and gratitude mixed with excitement. The energy was incredible, and I assume that if you have ever been in the stadium for such an event, you can relate. In the stands was a sea of Posada jerseys; a show of solidarity with the 20 on the field on the first and third baselines.

As Michael Kay and John Sterling began announcing his old managers, and teammates, all I could think was that my entire childhood was on display for me on the field. David Cone, Gene Monahan, Joe Torre, Bernie Williams, and the rest of the Core Four - Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera, and Derek Jeter - among others. Jorge was accompanied by his family - his mother, and father, along with sister, brother in law and niece and nephew, and of course his beautiful wife, Laura Posada, and children, Jorge and Paulina.

It seemed fitting that he was surrounded by people how have had such a huge impact on him, both on and off the field. Yogi Berra, unfortunately could not make it. He sent his regards in the form of a letter, that made me even more misty eyed.

"I am very sad that I cannot be with you today, but my knees hurt too much. Just wait - one day you're knees are going to hurt, too!"

Jorge took to the podium to the cheers of "Hip hip, Jorge!" He teased saying that we weren't nearly loud enough. He made and incredibly moving speech, touching on the health struggles that Jorge Jr. faced.

"For all the fans who always ask about Jorge's health, here he is at 15 years old, healthy and strong. I know a lot of you remember him from the All-Star Game, running on the field. Thank you for all your prayers."

He also shared well wishes to Mike Aviles, whose daughter is facing medical difficulties as well. For most of his career, Jorge was sometimes called away due to Jorge Jr.'s health. So this is something that Jorge is very familiar with.

It was a beautiful ceremony. Perfect for the kind of man that Jorge is. Again, it's difficult to express in words the feel of it, and that is really the most beautiful part. I'm immensely grateful to my friend who thought to make it possible for me to attend. No matter how many years go by, that birthday on 1995, when I watched Jorge step in, will forever shine as one of the best. It meant that I got to witness and incredible career, and sit in the stands while the greatest catcher since Thurman Munson had his number retired by the New York Yankees.

Thank you, Jorge! You showed an incredible amount of heart and love for the game, and was the greatest honor watching you through it all.

 

You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in history. Now shop at the Bleeding Yankee Blue store!  Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and LIKE Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook!  Also, don't forget to check out the BYB Hub!

JOHN STERLING'S HOME ENGULFED IN FLAMES

Send a prayer John Sterling's way.  Tonight word is that his home, in an apartment  in a luxury complex in Edgewater, NJ was engulfed in flames and being battled by firefighters.

I knew there was commotion in Edgewater today, but I wasn't exactly sure what was going on.  Then came word from Michael Kay on Twitter just a short time ago:

Those that have heard about the big fire at an apt complex in Edgewater, NJ, I just spoke to John Sterling, who lives there, and he is fine.
— Michael Kay (@RealMichaelKay) January 22, 2015

John has moved into a hotel for the night but is worried he might have lost everything in the fire. Please keep him in your thoughts.
— Michael Kay (@RealMichaelKay) January 22, 2015

When I read about it, my heart sang.  I hope there are no deaths in that fire and I hope everyone is safe.  According to the Daily Mail:

"Hampered by winds and frigid temperatures, firefighters battled a huge fire Wednesday night at a New Jersey apartment complex home to Yankees announcer John Sterling and many others. 

The enormous fire has sent flames sky high and left smoke visible from New York City across the Hudson River.

There were no initial reports of injuries in the blaze that broke out around 4:30 p.m. at The Avalon at Edgewater in the city of Edgewater, about 10 miles north of New York City."

Sterling told the New York Daily News:

"Maybe I’ll get lucky and there won’t be that much damage... I was wondering what I was going to do for clothes... But then I started thinking about all the stuff, all the memories, whether it be music, books, and a lot of other stuff. " 

Again... send prayers John's way.  What a terrible thing to happen.

In closing, I just want you all to read what Kay wrote last about John tonight...

John is really moved by the outpouring of love and the countless people that have reached out to him.
— Michael Kay (@RealMichaelKay) January 22, 2015

Yup, we're a family... a Yankee family and when things go south, when there's tragedy, whether we know the people personally or not, we circle the wagons and give support and love. 

In the end, that's what it's all about isn't it?

Thanks for the updates Michael Kay.

 

You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in history. Now shop at the Bleeding Yankee Blue store!  Follow me on Twitter @BleednYaneeBlu and LIKE Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook!  Also, don't forget to check out the BYB Hub!