Aaron Judge wants John Sterling’s broadcast played after each Yankees victory

Yankees Pay Tribute to Legendary Broadcaster John Sterling

John Sterling, the iconic radio broadcaster for the New York Yankees, passed away on Monday at the age of 87. Captain Aaron Judge expressed hope that Sterling’s legacy would endure in the Bronx.

Following a tough 12-1 loss to the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium, the familiar phrase Sterling often used to signal a Yankees victory echoed throughout the stadium. “The baseball game is over! The Yankees won! The Yankees won!” filled the air.

Before the classic “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra ushered in the crowd’s mood, Judge remarked on the significance of hearing Sterling’s voice after each home win. “I think this is a little nod to John and what he wanted to convey, which is really important for this series and to our fans,” Judge noted.

In the first inning, Judge hit his 14th home run of the season, leading the Yankees to a 2-0 advantage. As he rounded the bases, he thought of Sterling. “He loved the Yankees, so I imagine those eulogies really resonated with him,” Judge said, reflecting on Sterling’s passion for the team and its fans.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone echoed Judge’s sentiments, expressing his desire for Sterling’s call to become a staple tradition after Yankees’ victories. Boone recalled his own tribute to Sterling, often shouting, “The ball game is over! The Yankees won!” before celebrations in the dugout.

“It felt fitting that his voice took over mine after Monday’s win,” Boone said. He mentioned how Sterling’s presence has been felt deeply in the dugout and the importance of honoring his legacy.

Sterling started broadcasting Yankees games in 1989, amassing over 5,000 games in a storied career. Though he had a heart attack in January, he stayed active in his role, broadcasting postseason games after officially retiring in April 2024.

The Yankees, currently at the top of the American League with a 24-11 record, are set to face the Texas Rangers at home on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. ET. Both Judge and Boone are hopeful for a win and, of course, to hear Sterling’s voice resonating through the stadium once again.