John Sterling, the legendary voice of the New York Yankees, has passed away at age 87, leaving behind a legacy that's inseparable from the team's history. For decades, Sterling didn't just call games—he turned routine home runs into unforgettable theater. In honor of his remarkable career, here are five of his most iconic home run calls that will live forever in Yankees lore.
When Hideki Matsui arrived in New York in 2003, he already carried the nickname "Godzilla" from his time in Japan. Sterling wasted no time, coining "A thrilla from Godzilla!"—an instant classic that perfectly captured Matsui's power and presence. It was catchy, creative, and uniquely Sterling.
Bernie Williams wasn't just a cornerstone of the late-'90s Yankees dynasty; he also inspired one of Sterling's earliest signature calls. "Bern baby Bern!" became synonymous with championship baseball and helped spark the tradition of personalized home run calls that would define Sterling's style. Simple, timeless, and iconic.
Sterling's creativity never faded, even decades into his career. With Gleyber Torres, he tapped into pop culture, riffing off the State Farm slogan with "Like a good Gleyber, Torres is there!" He also added variations like "It's Gleyber Day!" and "He is the Gleyber of the month!"—showing his ability to keep things fresh and fun.
Perhaps Sterling's most recognizable call came with Alex Rodriguez, who hit 361 home runs as a Yankee. "An A-bomb from A-Rod!" wasn't just a call—it became part of baseball culture. Consistent, powerful, and instantly recognizable, it perfectly matched Rodriguez's presence in the lineup.
Sterling loved a good pun, and Tino Martinez gave him the perfect opportunity. "The Bam-Tino!" played off "The Great Bambino," tying Yankees history into the present. Martinez delivered plenty of moments worthy of the call, including his unforgettable grand slam in the 1998 World Series.
John Sterling called over 5,000 consecutive games, spanning generations of Yankees baseball. But more than the numbers, it was his personality that stood out. He made the game fun. He made moments bigger. And he gave fans something to smile about every time the ball left the yard. Home runs come and go, but calls like these last forever. Thanks to John Sterling, Yankees fans will always hear those moments, not just see them.