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John Sterling could come out of retirement to call Yankees playoff games

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John Sterling could come out of retirement to call Yankees playoff games

John Sterling’s days in the Yankees radio booth might not be over, after all.

The longtime voice of the Bronx Bombers may return to the WFAN booth for the playoffs, The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand reported Thursday.

Sterling, 86, is expected to speak with Chris Oliviero — president of Audacy New York, which runs WFAN — in the coming days about a potential postseason return.


John Sterling (c.) speaks at his Yankees retirement ceremony on April 20, 2024. Bill Kostroun for the NY Post

“The ball is in their court,” Sterling told The Athletic. “They would have to ask. I would feel bad for the guys who have done the games all year.”

Travel was one of the reasons Sterling retired, and he likely would have to travel for road games to come back for the playoffs, The Athletic reported, adding he might call some regular-season games to warm up if a playoff agreement is reached.

Sterling retired April 15, less than three weeks into the season, and the Yankees held an April 20 retirement ceremony for him.

Since his retirement, Emmanuel Berbari, Rickie Ricardo and Justin Shackil have rotated as Sterling’s replacement alongside Suzyn Waldman.

Islanders TV voice Brendan Burke also has occasionally filled in, and even former WFAN host Craig Carton worked a series with Waldman earlier this month despite Carton’s frequent mocking of her on the radio.

It’s unclear who will be Sterling’s permanent replacement after this season.

Ryan Ruocco, who calls some Yankees games on YES and calls basketball for ESPN, likely wouldn’t be able to take the job due to his national commitments.

During a June appearance on The Post’s “The Show with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman” podcast, Sterling said he was “staying out of” the process of choosing his replacement.


John Sterling (l.) and Suzyn Waldman (r.) during Sterling's Yankees retirement ceremony on April 20, 2024.
John Sterling (l.) and Suzyn Waldman (r.) during Sterling’s Yankees retirement ceremony on April 20, 2024. Robert Sabo for NY Post

“I don’t want to hurt one person for another. I think the kids are doing a great job. No problems,” Sterling said.

Sterling made a cameo appearance with Waldman, his longtime broadcast partner, during Tuesday’s game against the Guardians, during which he also appeared on the YES Network broadcast and lamented a botched rundown by the Yankees.

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