Yankees Icon Derek Jeter: Broadcaster John Sterling Was 'Major Part' of NYY History

New York Yankees icon Derek Jeter has paid his respect to legendary radio broadcaster John Sterling.

In a post on X, Jeter called Sterling a "major part" of Yankees history and someone who will be "greatly missed."

Sterling announced his retirement on Monday, effective immediately, after 36 seasons calling Yankees games.

"I am a very blessed human being," he said in a statement. I have been able to do what I wanted, broadcasting for 64 years. As a little boy growing up in New York as a Yankees fan, I was able to broadcast the Yankees for 36 years. It's all to my benefit, and I leave very, very happy. I look forward to seeing everyone again on Saturday."

The 85-year-old Sterling began his broadcasting career as the radio play-by-play announcer for the Baltimore Bullets with the 1970-71 NBA season. He later moved to New York and called games for the New York Islanders and New York/New Jersey Nets from 1975 to '80.

After a nine-year stint in Atlanta, Sterling started calling Yankees games with the 1989 MLB season. He called 5,060 consecutive games from the start of 1989 through July 4, 2019.

Between the regular season and playoffs, Sterling called a total of 5,631 games over the past 36 years. He was the radio voice for 24 playoff appearances, 15 AL East-winning clubs and five World Series titles in seven trips to the Fall Classic.

Jeter's entire MLB career from 1995 to 2014 overlapped with Sterling's time in the Yankees' broadcast booth.

Sterling was inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2016. He will be recognized by the Yankees on Saturday during a ceremony prior to their game against the Tampa Bay Rays.