John Sterling, the legendary voice of the New York Yankees, has passed away at the age of 87. The news was confirmed Monday morning by WFAN and longtime friend Rickie Ricardo. For 36 seasons, Sterling was the heartbeat of Yankees baseball on the radio, earning a reputation as an iron man after calling an astonishing 5,060 consecutive games. His unmistakable style and quirky signature calls made him a beloved figure to fans everywhere.

Perhaps no call defined Sterling more than his victory cry. After a Yankees win, he would stretch out the word "Theeeeeeeeee Yankees win!" with a playful shimmy that became known as "The Sterling Shake." It was a moment of pure joy that fans looked forward to after every triumph.

Sterling’s home run calls were equally iconic, though they sometimes came with a touch of drama. He would occasionally call a home run prematurely, only for the ball to land foul or be caught at the wall. His final home run call came on April 7, 2024, when Giancarlo Stanton crushed a grand slam. For Aaron Judge, Sterling had a custom call: "A Judgeian Blast. All Rise. Case Closed." It perfectly captured the power and presence of the Yankees' superstar.

Sterling’s partnership with longtime radio sidekick Suzyn Waldman was the stuff of legend. The two would muse over baseball’s quirks—like when the infield shift might finally end—and Sterling often wrapped up their discussions with a signature phrase that became a fan favorite. After a complete game from former ace Masahiro Tanaka, Sterling would even break into a little tune to honor the performance.

In the wake of his passing, Waldman shared her thoughts, calling it a "celebration of a life." Derek Jeter also weighed in, saying, "It was an honor." For Yankees fans, Sterling’s voice will forever echo through the stadium, a reminder of the passion and personality that made baseball so special.