New York Yankees announcer Michael Kay shared a heartfelt tribute to longtime announcer John Sterling, who passed away on Monday at the age of 87.
Videos by FanBuzz
Kay took time on his radio show on Monday to discuss Sterling and the push he made in his final days to recover from a surgery.
"It would get to him as he was recovering, was that because he was bedridden for a while after the surgery, he had lost the ability to walk," Kay said on Monday.
I didn’t think I had any tears left to cry today, but man, was I wrong. My heart breaks for the Sterling family. Love and prayers. Thank you @RealMichaelKay for doing an amazing job portraying the kind of man Mr. Sterling was. I don’t know how you held it together but we are… pic.twitter.com/HfxYbnP4vz
— Madyson (@Majorleaguemadd) May 4, 2026
"And that was frustrating for him. So, he was undergoing rehab, and things like that. And he was really pushing it, and I said, 'John, don't push yourself too much.'
"And he said his oldest daughter is getting married this summer. And he said, 'Michael, I have to walk her down the aisle.'"
Kay stopped the story for a moment to regain his composure. He then continued and explained that this wedding is why Sterling "was hanging on" before succumbing to heart failure.
"But he'll be walking her down, as he looks down," Kay said while choking back tears.
Sterling was mainstay in the Yankees booth after the team hired him in 1989. He called more than 5,000 regular-season games and more than 200 playoff games while showcasing his unique style.
Sterling, a 12-time Sports Emmy Award winner, was the voice of Yankees faithful, which split MLB fans. He celebrated when the team won, and he voiced his displeasure when the team struggled.
Kay is currently in his third decade calling Yankees games for the Yes Network. He also hosts a two-hour midday show where he discusses the pressing topics surrounding the team.
The New York native spent a decade alongside Sterling calling Yankees games on the radio. The two also hosted a radio show together. However, Kay moved to the Yes Network and television in the early 2000s while Sterling remained working in the radio booth.
