Yankees Reveal Memorial Jersey Patch to Honor John Sterling in Photo

The New York Yankees announced that the team plans to honor late announcer John Sterling with a memorial jersey patch for the rest of the 2026 season beginning on May 18.

The Yankees will also acknowledge Sterling with his initials, "JS," stitched on the back of their caps during a May 17 clash against the New York Mets.

Sterling, who called the team's games from 1989 until his retirement in 2024, died Monday at the age of 87.

"We pause today — along with millions of Yankees fans around the world — to recognize the passing of one of our own," the Yankees said in a statement released by the team. "John Sterling breathed life and excitement into Yankees games for 36 years while wearing his passion for baseball and the Yankees on his sleeve. He informed and entertained generations of fans with a theatrical and unapologetic style that was uniquely his own.

"John treasured his role as the voice of the New York Yankees, and his enthusiasm for the art of broadcasting perfectly complemented our city and our fans. The symmetry between John and his audience was both undeniable and magical, and his signature calls will resonate for as long as we put on pinstripes — especially after every Yankees win."

Current and former Yankees stars including Aaron Judge, Derek Jeter and CC Sabathia paid tribute to Sterling.

New York also played Sterling's iconic post-win call at Yankee Stadium following the team's 12-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Monday.

Sterling called 5,426 regular-season games and 225 postseason contests for the Yankees during his tenure as their play-by-play radio voice. This included a streak of 5,060 consecutive games from Sept. 1989 to July 2019.

The Yankees will debut the memorial patches during a matchup with the Toronto Blue Jays on May 18 at 7:05 p.m. ET.