If there is one voice that boomed through when the New York Yankees clinched their victories, it most definitely was John Sterling’s! He was the radio play-by-play announcer of the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball from 1989. After 35 years and over 5000 games, Sterling is often regarded as the voice of the Yankees. But after an incredible run, he decided to hang up his microphone and called his retirement in April this year.

One would expect the New York Yankees to go all out for retirement gifts, after all, they’ve given past retirees everything from elephants to speedboats. But for sterling? Well, they gave him a …a TV. Fans weren’t already thrilled by the sudden retirement announcement and this gift was Achilles’ heel. Lucky for the Yankees, they get a second chance to make amends because the 86-year-old will be returning to the booth once again.

John Sterling making a comeback to the booth

Bryan Hoch tweeted a photo on his social, that started spiraling quickly. It was a photo of himself with New York media members and along with them was none other than Sterling. Turns out the 12-time sports Emmy winner will be back in the booth. John Sterling will call the fourth and fifth innings of tomorrow night’s Yankees game on the radio.

Talkin Yanks on X stated, “John Sterling will call the fourth and fifth innings of tomorrow night’s Yankees game on the radio.” Before beginning his stint with the New York Yankees John Sterling, he had a nine-year run in Atlanta. There he was, the play-by-play broadcaster for the Hawks and Braves. Then, in 1989, he made a shift and began calling the Yankees games. He called for 5,060 consecutive Yankees games from 1989 to 2019. That’s some serious dedication!

In April, when Sterling announced his retirement, he reflected on his career saying, “I am a very blessed human being. I have been able to do what I wanted, broadcasting for 64 years. As a little boy growing up in New York as a Yankees fan, I was able to broadcast the Yankees for 36 years. It’s all to my benefit, and I leave very, very happy.” Since he is making a comeback this time, maybe the team can part ways the right way as they have always done with some of the others. The Yanks are going up against the Cleveland Guardians tonight at 7:05 p.m. ET. 

Yankees gift-giving takes a surprising turn- from elephants and crises to a TV!

The New York Yankees, on the occasion of the end of Sterling’s epic career with them, hosted a pre-game ceremony for him. It event was remarkable, but the gift that John Sterling received from the organization was rather underwhelming. They gave him a personalized jersey with the number of games he called for and they also gave him a TV—that’s right! One can argue that the gift is for practical reasons and the team did announce that Sterling could watch the Yankees match comfortably on this TV. But it did leave people scratching their heads because, in the past, the organization has gifted some rather exuberant gifts to their retirees.

Joe DiMaggio was not gifted just any luxury car, but rather a speedboat, and Yogi Berra was given a station wagon and electric trains for his son. Whitey Ford was surprised by a golf cart and even got a cruise. Although, topping the list is Catfish Hunter’s gift—a literal elephant. Fans quickly ridiculed the team for Sterlin’s gift, and some even said that the TV itself seemed to have been sponsored and not a gift by the team. However, John Sterling didn’t think it was much of a deal. But he did mention that he doesn’t care much about gifts and that he doesn’t have a space for that TV yet. Ouch! “As far as the TV, we don’t know what we’re gonna do with it yet, but we’ll think about some things. I don’t have any room for it in my place,” said John Sterling. 

Well, the New York Yankees sure didn’t follow the adage that if you have nothing good to give, then don’t give anything at all. But this time around, do you think they are going to step up their game? Maybe honor John Sterling with something iconic that reflects his impact on the decades-long work he put in. After all, a voice as legendary as he deserves a fitting tribute that goes beyond just an allegedly sponsored TV.