AJR171 1R

Sponsored by:

Assemblyman STERLEY S. STANLEY

District 18 (Middlesex)

SYNOPSIS

Celebrates career of New Jersey resident John Sterling.

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

As reported by the Assembly Regulated Professions Committee on May 15, 2025, with amendments.

A Joint Resolution celebrating the career of New Jersey resident John Sterling.

Whereas, In April 2024, John Sterling announced his retirement after spending 36 seasons as a radio broadcaster for the New York Yankees; and

Whereas, Sterling was born on July 4, 1938 and raised in New York, New York; and

Whereas, He began his career in sports broadcasting as a radio play-by-play announcer with the National Basketball Association in 1971; and

Whereas, By September 1989, he started broadcasting for the New York Yankees on WABC radio; and

Whereas, Sterling became known for his zeal for the game of baseball and ¹was¹ dubbed the voice of the Yankees; and

Whereas, Sterling had unique idiosyncrasies in his announcement style which fans of baseball adored from the “Sterling Shake” victory call, humorous play-by-play phrases, and unique home run calls; and

Whereas, Sterling called 5,420 regular season games for the Yankees, which included 211 Yankee playoff games and 5,060 consecutive games from 1989 until 2019; and

Whereas, Notably, Sterling announced every game during the Yankees 1990s run, the final game at the original Yankee Stadium, Derek Jeter’s 3,000th hit and Aaron Judge’s 62nd home run; and

Whereas, During the 1990s and 2000s, Sterling’s distinct victory call “Theee Yankees win” became synonymous with the Yankees franchise itself; and

Whereas, On April 15, 2024, Sterling made his announcement that he was retiring from sports broadcasting; and

Whereas, Sterling plans on retiring to his home in Bergen County, New Jersey; and

¹[Whereas, Sterling will be forever tied to the Yankees and beloved figure in sports broadcasting; now, therefore,]

Whereas, Sterling will be forever tied to the Yankees and is a beloved figure in sports broadcasting; now, therefore,¹

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. This joint resolution honors and celebrates John Sterling’s long career in sports broadcasting. Mr. Sterling has provided comfort and humor to New Jersey residents for many decades.

2. The Governor is respectfully requested to issue a proclamation celebrating the career of John Sterling and calling upon public officials and citizens of the State to recognize the impact of John Sterling’s career on Major League Baseball and the field of sports broadcasting.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.