Judge wants new Bronx tradition: Sterling’s voice booming “Theee Yankees win!” before Sinatra song – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pixabay)
New York — Aaron Judge envisioned a lasting tribute to the late John Sterling following a dominant Yankees victory. The slugger suggested playing the broadcaster’s famous call over the stadium speakers after every win, right before Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” fills the air. This idea emerged on the day Sterling passed away at 87, as the team swept Baltimore 12-1 in a game marked by heartfelt remembrances.
A Emotional Night at the Stadium
The Yankees honored Sterling with a pregame ceremony before routing the Orioles. After the final out, his distinctive baritone boomed through the public-address system: “Ballgame over! Yankees win! Theee Yankees win!” Fans erupted, amplifying the moment as the call transitioned seamlessly into Sinatra’s classic.
Sterling had defined Yankees radio broadcasts from 1989 to 2024, his voice synonymous with triumph. Players and supporters alike felt the weight of his absence, yet the tribute turned grief into celebration. Yankees manager Aaron Boone noted the crowd’s enthusiasm overpowered his own dugout ritual of mimicking the call before postgame handshakes.
Judge Delivers Power and Sentiment
Judge set the tone early, launching his major league-leading 14th home run in the first inning to give New York the lead. He later added a two-run single in the eighth, finishing with four RBIs. As he rounded the bases, Judge reflected on Sterling’s custom home run phrase for him: “A Judgian blast! All rise! Here comes the Judge!”
“I think it’d be a nice little tip of the cap to John and what he meant — so much to this franchise and this fan base. I think it would be pretty cool,” Judge said afterward. The performance felt personal, a nod to the broadcaster who cherished the team, its fans, and every broadcast. Boone praised Judge’s first-inning presence, calling it a significant edge for the lineup.
From Dugout Habit to Stadium Staple
Boone revealed he had adopted Sterling’s call in the dugout for years, shouting it before handshakes. On this night, the PA version drew fans into the chant, creating a shared roar. “It drowned me out a little bit, happily,” Boone remarked, endorsing the idea of making it permanent.
“Yeah, I’d love it,” Boone added. “Right on into Frank.” The manager saw it as a fitting evolution, blending Sterling’s legacy with the stadium’s postgame ritual. Judge echoed the sentiment, hoping it becomes a Bronx tradition to keep Sterling’s spirit alive after every victory.
Judge’s Resurgence Amid Tributes
Beyond the emotional layer, Judge showcased his form. He leads the majors with six first-inning homers this season and 91 career first-inning shots, behind only Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle among Yankees greats. This homer marked his 53rd in 124 games against Baltimore.
After a slow start — batting.212 with three homers through 14 games — Judge rebounded sharply, hitting.329 with 11 homers and 20 RBIs over his next 21 games. “Even if I’m hitting.400 in April, I’m tinkering with something new every single day,” he explained. The team wore caps with “JS” initials sewn on, a quick front-office request fulfilled by a Bronx vendor.
“I thought it was a nice little touch for John,” Judge said. His overall line stands at.272 with 27 RBIs, tied for the home run lead entering the night.
The proposal carries forward Sterling’s indelible mark on the Yankees, potentially weaving his voice into the fabric of future celebrations. As the team eyes contention, this ritual could unite generations of fans in the Bronx, ensuring the broadcaster’s passion resonates long after the final pitch.
