Derek Jeter paid tribute to John Sterling.
The Yankees legend and Baseball Hall of Famer congratulated Sterling on his broadcasting career, which ended Monday.
Sterling officially announced his retirement after serving as the Yankees’ spokesperson since 1989.
“Congratulations to John Stirling on a wonderful career.” Jeter wrote to. “I had the pleasure of listening to and working with John for decades. He was an important part of Yankees history and will be greatly missed.”
Sterling had been called up for all five Yankees championships in which Jeter has been a part since winning their first World Series title in 1996.
The famous broadcaster was on the microphone for Jeter’s leadoff home run in Game 4 of the 2000 World Series against the Mets, and when the captain hit a walk-off grand slam to seal the victory in the final game at Yankee Stadium. I made a call to.
In 2017, Sterling recalled what Jeter’s opening day was like in 1996 in an interview with Steve Serby of the Post.
“It was freezing cold in Cleveland. Jeter made an incredible catch on a pop fly to short left and hit a home run, but he’s not a home run hitter,” Sterling said. “The thing I remember most is I walked into the clubhouse after the game and David Cone said, ‘Hey, I have something to show you.’ And it was so cold that my fingers were blue. But , it had nothing to do with the cold, he had an aneurysm.”
Sterling will be honored by the Yankees on Saturday and will appear in the WFAN booth during the radio broadcast.
“I am a very blessed man,” Sterling said in a statement regarding his retirement. “For 64 years, I’ve been able to do what I love to do, which is broadcast. As a kid who grew up in New York as a Yankees fan, I’ve been able to be in charge of Yankees broadcasting for 36 years. It’s all been to my benefit and my I’m leaving very satisfied and looking forward to seeing you all again on Saturday.
