The New York Yankees announced they will wear a memorial patch on their jerseys for the rest of the season to honor legendary broadcaster John Sterling, who died Monday at age 87. The patch debuts May 18 during their homestand against the Blue Jays. Until then, players will wear caps with 'JS' on the back.
The Yankees made the announcement Tuesday following Sterling's death. Sterling, a New York City native, served as the team's radio broadcaster from 1989 until his retirement in 2024. He called 5,631 Yankees games, including over 5,000 consecutively, and covered five World Series championship teams. He was renowned for personalized home run calls and his drawn-out 'thuh-uh-uh-uh Yankees win' after victories. The team played that call after Monday's win at Yankee Stadium. Sterling's microphone from his broadcasting days went on display Tuesday at the Yankees Museum near Section 210. 'John Sterling breathed life and excitement into Yankees games for 36 years while wearing his passion for baseball and the Yankees on his sleeve,' the Yankees said in a statement. 'He informed and entertained generations of fans with a theatrical and unapologetic style that was uniquely his own.' Yankees captain Aaron Judge and manager Aaron Boone expressed support for continuing to play Sterling's iconic win call after future victories at home. 'I think it’d be a nice little tip of the cap to John and what he meant to so much of this franchise and this fan base,' Judge said. The circular patches feature Sterling’s name and a microphone over a pinstriped backdrop and will remain through the end of the 2026 season.
