John Sterling's 30-Year Streak Calling Yankee Games Coming to an End This Week
By Jerry Trotta
The world of sports features countless historic streaks -- whether it be most consecutive games played or most consecutive games recording a hit or throwing a touchdown.
What we the fans fail to appreciate, however, is the grind that the radio and television crews endure to ensure we are witnessing or listening to the best content possible.
That's exactly the case with New York Yankees renowned WFAN radio play-by-plan man John Sterling, who's called every Bronx Bombers game for the last 30 years. Unfortunately, that extraordinary streak will come to an end on Thursday.
BREAKING: John Sterling's amazing Yankees streak ending on Thursday. https://t.co/Z0xs47QbaE via @nypostsports
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) July 2, 2019
Per Andrew Marchand of the New York Post, Sterling, who turns 81 on Thursday, will be replaced by YES/ESPN's Ryan Ruocco and he will work alongside Sterling's longtime partner, Suzyn Waldman.
The iconic broadcaster hasn't been feeling himself recently and didn't get into specifics, but reassured fans that his health is nothing to be concerned about.
"For the moment, I’m a little under the weather,” Sterling said. “I’ve put in the time. I want to feel better and they think this is the time for me to do it, and I agree.”
To put his historic streak into perspective, take a look at this mind-boggling tweet.
People don't understand how insane John Sterling's streak is, but this sums it up:
— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) July 2, 2019
"The last time Sterling missed a Yankees game, Don Mattingly was the team’s first baseman and Deion Sanders played the outfield in the Bronx." https://t.co/JaeXpCEX09
Wow.
Imagine not missing a day of work in 30 years! The concept is literally unheard of, especially for broadcasters. Even greats like Michael Kay, Jon Miller and Gary Cohen are awarded day(s) off throughout a season.
Enjoy it, Sterling. It's well deserved and way past due.