John Sterling, the former voice of the New York Yankees, has sparked fears for his health after he revealed that he suffered a heart attack in January.
Sterling, 87, admitted that he was ‘very fortunate’ that his heart is still in good shape and that ‘all things are good,’ despite the health scare affecting his legs.
He insisted that he is on the mend thanks to the help of his four children, having spent a lot of his recovery with his feet up watching the Winter Olympics, which concluded on Sunday.
‘I’m kind of waiting for the force to leave my legs and I can get back out there,’ Sterling told WFAN radio over the weekend. ‘I’m very fortunate, and all things are good.’
‘I couldn’t have done it without them,’ he added referring to his children. ‘They have been sensational in taking care of me.’
The legendary New York City sports radio host retired from commentary in 2024 after 36 years of calling Yankees games.
John Sterling, the former voice of the New York Yankees, revealed he suffered a heart attack
The 87-year-old announcer retired in 2024 after 36 years of calling Yankees games
He provided play-by-play commentary for 5,631 regular-season and postseason Yankees games before heading into retirement.
Sterling, a member of the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame, even held a streak of calling 5,060 consecutive Yankees games. The run came to an end in July 2019, when he fell ill and missed three games.
‘I’ve always [felt] blessed [by] the fact, since I’ve been a little boy, that I’m a sports fan,’ Sterling said on WFAN.
He suffered with a blood infection in 2020, which saw him reduce the number of road games he called for New York as traveling became more challenging.
His latest health admission sparked fears among baseball fans, who sent the beloved broadcaster well wishes and prayers on social media.
‘I’m actually tearing up. Some people are loved because of their entertainment/performance, but John is actually a great guy. hope (sic) he gets better,’ one social media user wrote.
The legendary radio host has been inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame
‘Best wishes for a quick & complete recovery,’ posted another, while a third added: ‘Prayers up for Mr. John Sterling, what a treasure.’
Another user shared: ‘Get well soon, John. We miss hearing you every day. Get those legs back!’
‘God damn, prayers up for you John. Teary eyed,’ one emotional fan posted.
‘Wishing you an easy recovery & good health in the future. You are a treasure that this world needs. Miss hearing you calling games & sharing your wisdom. Take good care,’ said another.