The John Sterling days appear to be officially over.
When John Sterling abruptly retired in April, rumors began to swirl in regard to who would be the next radio voice of the New York Yankees. Many candidates were floated, but nothing felt set in stone by any means. It felt more like a tryout … which explains why Craig Carton even got his moment.
But as the season dragged on, speculation linking Mariners play-by-play broadcaster Dave Sims to New York got louder. Sims is from New York and worked for WFAN from 1989-1993. The 71-year-old is also among the best in the industry.
On Thursday, the rumors approached completion. According to the New York Post, Sims is nearing a deal to succeed Sterling in the radio booth, which would close that chapter heading into the 2025 season.
Sterling, of course, returned when the gig became that much more attractive as the Yankees were nearing a division title and then went on a World Series run. But that’s not the kind of radio booth a marquee franchise wants. There needs to be stability, and people can’t be coming and going as they please.
Sims feels like the most fitting replacement given his name recognition, experience, and the fact he grew up a Yankees fan.
Dave Sims nearing deal to replace John Sterling on Yankees radio https://t.co/2ejXclAVaB pic.twitter.com/Uqsfb2gVQo
— New York Post (@nypost) November 14, 2024
Yankees News: Dave Sims expected to replace John Sterling at WFAN
Per the post, a deal has not been finalized, but rarely does this kind of news break without there being a resolution in focus. The timeline makes perfect sense and the transition period remains in a sensible window. Plus, back in September, Sims reportedly interview for the Yankees job and then brushed off questions about the rumors.
Assuming Sims is in the fold, Rickie Ricardo will likely remain as the Spanish radio announcer with Justin Shackil and Emmanuel Berbari serving as part-timers alongside Sims and/or Suzyn Waldman.
Sims had been the Mariners’ television broadcaster since 2007 and is now on track to shift to a larger market where he can make a bigger impact as one of the historically few African American baseball voices.
