John Sterling Net Worth

John Sterling’s Net Worth, Salary, and Career: A Deep Dive

John Sterling is an iconic figure in sports broadcasting, particularly known for his long tenure as the radio voice of the New York Yankees. This article delves into John Sterling’s net worth, salary, career, and personal life, providing a comprehensive look at his life and legacy.

Net Worth and Salary

John Sterling has amassed a substantial net worth throughout his broadcasting career. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated to be $2 million. This figure reflects his earnings from his long-standing role with the New York Yankees, as well as other broadcasting ventures.

During his time with the Yankees, John Sterling’s annual salary was $500,000. This salary, coupled with endorsements and other opportunities, contributed to his overall net worth.

Career Overview

John Sterling’s career spans several decades and includes roles with multiple sports teams and networks. He is best known for his play-by-play announcing for the New York Yankees. Before that, he held a variety of broadcasting positions, including calling games for the Baltimore Bullets, hosting talk shows, and covering games for the Atlanta Braves and Hawks.

Early Life and Education

Born John Sloss on July 4, 1938, in New York City, John Sterling’s early life was rooted in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. His pursuit of higher education led him to briefly attend Moravian College in Pennsylvania, Boston University in Massachusetts, and Columbia University in New York. Ultimately, he chose to embark on a career in radio, leaving school to pursue his passion.

Career Beginnings

Sterling’s entry into sports broadcasting began in Baltimore, where he served as the play-by-play announcer for the NBA’s Baltimore Bullets during the 1970-71 season. He then transitioned to a talk show host role at WMCA in New York and called Morgan State University football games. Throughout his early career in New York, Sterling was the radio voice for various teams, including the WHA’s Raiders, the NHL’s Islanders, the WFL’s Stars, and the ABA/NBA’s Jets. He also worked with the Yankees as a pregame host on WMCA and WINS. In the early 1980s, Sterling moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he hosted a sports call-in program on WSB and covered Braves and Hawks games for Turner Sports.

New York Yankees Tenure

In 1989, Sterling returned to New York to broadcast games for the Yankees on WABC radio. He became the iconic voice of the team, calling 5,060 consecutive Yankees games until taking a brief break in the summer of 2019 for his birthday. On April 15, 2024, Sterling announced his retirement, marking the end of an era.

Over the years, Sterling’s broadcasting partners included Suzyn Waldman, Jay Johnstone, Michael Kay, Charley Steiner, and Joe Angel. In 2013, he moved to WFAN to continue covering the team.

Beyond live game broadcasts, Sterling hosted the Emmy Award-winning YES Network series “Yankeeography,” which highlighted the lives and careers of Yankees players and personnel. He also had a nightly commentary feature on WCBS called “Sterling on Sports.” Furthermore, he emceed several of the team’s pregame ceremonies and co-hosted major off-field Yankees events with Michael Kay, including the 2000 ticker-tape parade.

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Announcing Style

John Sterling is known for his distinctive and often unorthodox announcing style, which has been a subject of discussion among listeners. His colorful personality and unique play-calling often set him apart. He’s famous for his catchphrases, including the home run call, “It is high, it is far, it is gone!” and the consecutive homer call referencing Harry Belafonte‘s “Zombie Jamboree,” proclaimed as “It’s a back to back… and a belly to belly!” After a Yankees victory, he would conclude with “Ballgame over! Yankees win! Theeeeeeee Yankees win!” drawing out the word “the.” Additionally, he is known for emphasizing the “mmm” sound before certain words.

Other Activities

Beyond his baseball announcing, Sterling broadened his reach. He announced the Kitten Bowl on the Hallmark Channel from 2013 to 2017. In 2018, he called a game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Atlanta Hawks on the YES Network.

Personal Life

Sterling was married to Jennifer from 1996 until their divorce in 2008. They have four children, including triplets. He currently resides in Edgewater, New Jersey. In 2015, he was displaced when a fire destroyed the Avalon at Edgewater complex. Later, in 2021, he was rescued by fellow Edgewater resident and Yankees broadcaster Rickie Ricardo during flooding from Hurricane Ida.

Legacy

John Sterling’s impact on baseball and sports broadcasting is undeniable. His unique style, memorable catchphrases, and decades of service have solidified his place as an icon. He is remembered for his dedication to his craft and the joy he brought to countless fans.