Yankees radio legend and former NY Islanders broadcaster John Sterling dies at 87

The sports world lost one of its most iconic voices on Monday, as legendary John Sterling passed away at the age of 87. While he became synonymous with the New York Yankees and his unforgettable home run calls, Sterling’s impact stretched far beyond baseball—including a foundational chapter with the New York Islanders.

Long before “It is high, it is far, it is gone!” echoed through radios across New York, Sterling was behind the mic calling Islanders games during the franchise’s early years from 1975 to 1980. In those formative seasons, he helped bring hockey to life for a growing fanbase, delivering a signature call of his own: “Islanders Goal! Islanders Goal!”—a phrase that became embedded in the team’s identity.

Sterling’s influence wasn’t limited to that generation. Decades later, his voice and style still resonate—especially with current Islanders broadcaster Brendan Burke. During a recent broadcast, Burke paid tribute in real time, echoing Sterling’s iconic goal call after an Islanders score, bridging eras in a way only broadcasting can.

“He’s one of the reasons I got into the business,” Burke said back in 2024 after Sterling announced his retirement from Yankees games. “Somebody I looked up to my entire life.” It was more than a passing acknowledgment—it was a reflection of Sterling’s enduring impact on aspiring broadcasters who grew up listening to him.

That connection came full circle in 2022, when Burke had the opportunity to fill in on Yankees radio broadcasts—stepping into the same booth once occupied by his inspiration. It was a dream realized, rooted in years of admiration that began in childhood.

Sterling’s career will always be defined by his Yankees legacy, but on Long Island, he remains part of the Islanders’ history as well. From the early days of the franchise

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