John Sterling’s days in the Yankees radio booth may not be over after all.
The longtime voice of the Bronx Bombers may be back in the WFAN booth for the playoffs, according to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand. Report on Thursday.
Sterling, 86, plans to meet with Chris Oliviero, president of Audience New York, which owns WFAN, in the coming days to discuss a possible return to the postseason.
“The ball is in their court,” Sterling told The Athletic. “They’re going to have to ask. I feel bad for the guys who have been playing all year.”
The road was one of the reasons Sterling retired, and he will likely have to play road games to get back into the playoffs, The Athletic reported, adding that he could be called back for some regular-season games as warm-ups if a playoff deal is reached.
Sterling retired on April 15, less than three weeks into the season, and the Yankees held his retirement ceremony on April 20.
Since Sterling’s retirement, Emmanuel Belvari, Ricky Ricardo and Justin Shakir have all filled in for him, along with Suzyn Waldman.
Islanders television announcer Brendan Burke has also filled in occasionally, and former WFAN host Craig Carton did a back-to-back with Waldman earlier this month, despite frequently mocking him on the radio.
It is unclear who will be Sterling’s permanent replacement after this season.
Ryan Ruocco, who has called some Yankees games for YES and also broadcasts basketball games for ESPN, likely won’t be able to take the job due to domestic commitments.
During an appearance on The Washington Post podcast “The Show with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman” in June, Sterling said he would “not be involved” in the selection process.
“I don’t want to hurt anybody for anybody. I think the kids are doing a great job. There’s no problem,” Sterling said.
Sterling, along with his longtime broadcast partner Waldman, made a cameo appearance at Tuesday’s game against the Guardians, during which he also appeared on the YES Network broadcast to lament the Yankees’ failed rundown.
