By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: New York Yankees / Getty Images
New York Yankees long-time broadcaster John Sterling has passed away at the age of 87.
One of the most iconic voices in baseball history. Former Yankee centerfielder Bernie Williams was fun to watch. Every time he hit a home run, Sterling was the best part because of his catchphrases. Sterling would say things like “Bern Baby Bern.” Sterling has memorable game calls, such as in Game 4 of the 2001 ALCS, when Williams tied the game in the bottom of the 8th against the Seattle Mariners.
Another one is when Tino Martinez tied the game in the bottom of the ninth inning in Game 4 of the 2001 World Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Sterling would repeat it the following night when third baseman Scott Brosius tied the game in the bottom of the ninth with a 2-run home run in Game 5.
We can’t forget Don Mattingly’s epic home run in Game 2 of the 1995 AL Division Series. When Alex Rodriguez hit his 500th career home run in 2007, it was also special because of Sterling’s class. Raul Ibanez hit two home runs, which included a game-winner in the 12th inning in the 2012 Game 3 of the AL Division Series against the Baltimore Orioles.
When Derek Jeter reached 3,000 hits in 2011, it was also unforgettable. It was a Saturday afternoon in Yankee Stadium on a gorgeous summer day. Every fan that was in that ballpark witnessed Magic. Every person who worked near Sterling felt the chill of his call at the moment.
As sad as it may be for Yankee fans and baseball fans in general about his passing, the lord blessed him for 87 years. We thank Mr. Sterling for the memories.
One More time…”Ballgame over! Yankees win! Theeeeeee Yankees win!”
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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