John Sterling’s 5 most memorable Yankees home run calls
The voice of the New York Yankees has gone silent. Legendary MLB broadcaster John Sterling has passed away at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy that is inseparable from Yankees baseball. For decades, Sterling didn’t just call games—he defined moments, turning routine home runs into unforgettable pieces of theater.
In honor of his career, here are five of his most memorable and iconic home run calls: MORE: Tributes pour in for Yankees broadcaster who dies at 87 “A Thrilla from Godzilla! ” — Hideki Matsui Oct 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Yankees former player Hideki Matsui throws out the ceremonial first pitch before game four of the 2024 MLB World Series between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images When Hideki Matsui arrived in New York in 2003, he already carried the nickname “Godzilla” from his time in Japan.
Sterling didn’t waste time. “A thrilla from Godzilla! ” became an instant classic—perfectly capturing Matsui’s power and presence.
It was catchy, creative, and uniquely Sterling. “Bern Baby Bern! ” — Bernie Williams Bernie Williams wasn’t just a cornerstone of the Yankees dynasty—he was also the inspiration behind one of Sterling’s earliest signature calls.
“Bern baby Bern! ” became synonymous with the late-’90s Yankees and helped spark the tradition of personalized home run calls that would define Sterling’s style. Simple.