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Yankees games will never be quite the same on the radio.

Legendary play-by-play broadcaster John Sterling passed away on May 4 at the age of 87, leaving a lasting impression on Yankees fans, who grew up listening to him.

One of the things that endeared Sterling to Yankees fans was his endless enthusiasm for creating fun aphorisms on his home run calls.


  John Sterling dead at 87. Robert Sabo for NY Post John Sterling dead at 87. Robert Sabo for NY Post

After zealously announcing that, “It is high, it is far, it is gone!” Sterling would add a tagline unique to the Yankee who hit the home run.

The Post has compiled 10 such recurring calls that have stood out over the years.

Bernie Williams

Bernie Williams is atop many fans’ list of favorite Sterling home run calls.

This one, in which Williams’ home run tied the Yankees and Mariners at 1-1 in the bottom of the eighth inning in Game 4 of the 2001 ALCS, stood out.

“Bern baby Bern!” Sterling exclaimed.


  Bernie Williams received a class John Sterling home run call. AP Bernie Williams received a class John Sterling home run call. AP

Robinson Cano

Cano hit 204 home runs for the Yankees between 2005 and 2013.

Sterling brought out the rhymes for his dingers, saying, “Robby Cano — dontcha know!”

Alex Rodriguez

Sterling didn’t have the most politically correct call for Alex Rodriguez, who was on the Yankees from 2004 through his retirement following the 2016 season.

“An A-bomb from A-Rod!” Sterling would say when the 14-time All-Star went yard.

Jorge Posada

Posada played his entire big-league career, which began with one appearance in 1995 and concluded in 2011, with the Yankees.

“Jorgie juiced one!” Sterling said excitedly when the five-time All-Star got ahold of one.

Mark Teixeira

Teixeira joined the Yankees in 2009 and remained there until he retired following the 2016 season.

“He sent a Tex message!” Sterling would exclaim on Teixeira’s moon shots.

Aaron Judge

Judge has given Sterling ample opportunities to call home runs since he joined the Yankees’ roster in 2016, including the 62 he hit in 2022 to set a new American League record.

“All rise!” Sterling announced. “Here comes the Judge!”


  Aaron Judge celebrates hitting a three-run homer for the Yankees on April 14. Getty Images Aaron Judge celebrates hitting a three-run homer for the Yankees on April 14. Getty Images

Gio Urshela

Sterling didn’t just get up for superstars.

Urshela is a utility infielder who played for the Yankees from 2019-21, and Sterling broke into song for him.

“Gio Urshela, the most happy fella,” Sterling said, before singing the “most happy fella” part.

Gleyber Torres

Torres has played second base and shortstop for the Yankees since 2018.

For his home runs, Sterling has channeled Allstate’s slogan.

“Like a good Gleyber, Torres is there,” Sterling has said.

Jason Giambi

Sterling’s home run call for Giambi, who played for the Yankees from 2002-08, was a concise nod to Babe Ruth, whose nickname was the Great Bambino.

When Giambi homered for the Yankees, Sterling referred to him as the Giambino.


  Jason Giambi homers produced one of John Sterling’s favorite home run calls. NYPost Jason Giambi homers produced one of John Sterling’s favorite home run calls. NYPost

Hideki Matsui


  Hideki Matsui is pictured during the 2004 season. Anthony J Causi Hideki Matsui is pictured during the 2004 season. Anthony J Causi

Sterling invoked the third fight of the trilogy between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier — called the Thrilla in Manila — whenever Matsui homered for the Yankees.

“A thrilla from Godzilla!” Sterling announced on Matsui’s homers.

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