The best John Sterling calls

After 34 years and over 5000 games called on the radio for the New York Yankees, legendary broadcaster John Sterling has decided to hang up the headset at 85 years of age.

Sterling was known for his charismatic voice, and obviously his home run calls. This list will highlight my favorite home run calls from the person that I grew up listening to.

Kyle Higashioka, the home run stroka

After spending around a decade in the minor leagues, Kyle Higashioka enjoyed an extended stretch as the Yankees backup catcher. Sterling puts in equal effort for players' home run calls, disregarding how important they may be to the team. This call is simple and sweet and makes for one of Sterling’s best lines.

Gio Urshela, the most happy fella

Even though Urshela’s tenure with the Yankees only lasted three seasons, his rhymable last name got him a John Sterling call for the ages. Sterling’s quick pun to go along with his little song for Urshela had fans praying for a home run every time he came to the plate.

It’s Gleyber Day!

In this call for the Yankees second baseman, Sterling combines two punny statements together to make for an awesome call. The ode to State Farm’s “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there” is incredibly creative, and is definitely one of Sterling’s best.

You’re on the Mark, Teixeira

Sterling once again shows his creative wordplay using both Texeira’s first and last name. He says “Sends a Tex message” to highlight the home run getting out of the park, and follows it up by saying “You're on the Mark'' to give Teixeria that special feeling of hitting a home run in Yankee Stadium.

Robbie Cano, Don’cha Know

What makes this specific clip special is that Sterling still did his Cano home run call despite him playing for the opposite team. Another showcase of professionalism from Sterling, who still honors Cano’s jingle despite Cano wrapping up his tenure with the Yankees seven seasons prior.

Gardy goes Yardy

This call is so simple yet so catchy. I watched Brett Gardner play every season until he retired in 2022, and it became a staple to say “Gardy goes yardy” and “It’s a Gardy party” every time he hit the long one.

Giancarlo, non si può stopparlo!

When Stanton came over to the Yankees following his 59-home-run season in 2017, John Sterling knew that he had to make a legendary call for a guy who would hit plenty of dingers in pinstripes. This call combines “You can not stop it”, coupled with Sterling saying it is a “Stantonian Blast” to make for an all-time call for the Yankee power hitter.

All Rise

All rise. Here comes the Judge. I mean does it get much better than that? Judge has had 260 home runs since first debuting for the team in 2016. Each call Sterling gives for Judge’s blasts seems special and quite literally brings everyone to their feet.

Honorable mentions

While this list only focuses on Sterling’s home run calls, his best moments also come without the occasional dinger, here’s a few of my favorites.

The sun will come out, Tanaka.

Well Suzyn, I thank you

Theeeeeeee Yankees Win!

Will Harrison is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email wbh5205@psu.edu.