Mike Francesa is turning up the heat with a blistering take on John Sterling’s Yankees comeback. The legendary WFAN duo of Francesa and Chris Russo reunited on Thursday for a special broadcast celebrating their 35-year legacy. The spotlight quickly shifted to Sterling’s upcoming return, and Francesa didn’t hold back. With The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand breaking the news that Sterling, the iconic 86-year-old Yankees broadcaster will be stepping back into the booth for the 2024 postseason, Francesa and Russo were quick to voice their concerns. Russo, never one to mince words, questioned, “Did they not have to bring Sterling back for the postseason for crying out loud? That’s not the right thing to do. Jeez!” he added.

John Sterling, who retired in April, will be back in action this October, calling both home and road games alongside his longtime partner Suzyn Waldman. Before the postseason kicks off, he’ll warm up by calling the final six regular-season games, all at Yankee Stadium. This return was reportedly non-negotiable for WFAN executives, and top Yankees brass are all on board. Enter Mike Francesa, who, while making waves of his own in the podcast world, weighed in with some blunt thoughts on Sterling’s comeback. On the SXM show podcast, Francesa didn’t mince words: “You know what? I think John made a mistake coming back,” he declared. Francesa also argued that Sterling’s return could be seen as a slight to the younger broadcasters who’ve stepped up this season. “Sooner or later you’ve got to let somebody else work! It’s just the way it is. I just think it’s wrong. He’s had his day in the sun! He’s had his championships. Let the other kids work,” he insisted.

Ironically, Francesa himself is no stranger to the comeback narrative. After initially retiring from WFAN in 2017, he made a swift return just four months later, only to retire again in 2020. Now, he’s hosting a podcast and has openly questioned his own return to the airwaves. This year, a trio of fresh voices—Justin Shackil, Rickie Ricardo, and Emmanuel Berbari—have succeeded Sterling. When the possibility of Sterling’s return first surfaced, Sterling himself expressed concern about stepping on the toes of these new talents. But with a nod from the bosses, Sterling is set to reassert his iconic presence in the postseason.

John Sterling’s April tribute and potentially his final run

‘It is high! It is far! It is gone!’ In a heartwarming tribute to Sterling, fellow broadcasters have been replicating his iconic calls. Fans are gearing up for what’s shaping up to be a dramatic final chapter in the legendary broadcaster’s career. He will make his final run in the booth before he fully retires, capping off his incredible 36-year stint with the Bronx Bombers as part of his remarkable 64-year career. Sterling’s return for the postseason is a gesture to honor his legacy and give fans one last chance to hear his legendary calls during what the team hopes will be a thrilling playoff run.

April saw an emotional farewell ceremony where the Yankees honored Sterling with an 83-inch TV, a playful nod to his love for watching games in his downtime. But as Sterling returns for October, it’s clear this is a one-time cameo. As for who will fill Sterling’s shoes next season, the competition is heating up. Current broadcasters Rickie Ricardo, Justin Shackil, and Emmanuel Berbari are all strong candidates to step into the lead role. Adding to the intrigue, Dave Sims, the Seattle Mariners’ play-by-play announcer and a former WFAN host, is also in the mix.  

At 71, Sims brings experience and a fresh perspective, potentially bridging the gap between Sterling’s storied past and the future of Yankees broadcasting. Fans will be glued to their radios this October, savoring Sterling’s final broadcasts while speculating on who will be the voice of the Yankees in the seasons to come. Will Sterling’s postseason calls provide the perfect send-off? And who do you think will step up to continue the legacy? Share in the comments below.