Former Yankees broadcaster John Sterling. Bob Karp/Staff Photographer/ USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK

John Sterling addresses Yankees' retirement present gaffe

By Aaron Case | Last updated Jun 7, 2024 6:50 PM ET

When the New York Yankees presented legendary play-by-play announcer John Sterling with an 83-inch TV as a retirement present in April, fans were not impressed. But while social media raked the Bombers over the coals for their cringey gift, the legendary broadcaster said he doesn't see what the big (83-inch, even) deal is.

"Now, I can't believe all the fuss and feathers about my retirement, and the Yankees staged a beautiful day," Sterling told Jimmy Traina on a recent episode of the "SI Media With Jimmy Traina" podcast. "My kids were all there, and it was great. I didn't want any gifts!"

Sterling surprised Yankees faithful by announcing his retirement from the broadcast booth in April, early in the MLB season. The Yankees held a ceremony celebrating the broadcaster's 36 years of service on April 20, during which the team presented him with the enormous TV.

Talkin' Yanks took to X to post a video of Yankees manager Aaron Boone and second baseman Gleyber Torres carrying the TV out of the first base dugout and plopping it in front of Sterling:

Nothing like receiving an 83-inch TV from the whole Yankees team for your retirement pic.twitter.com/JlfhVqFqrh
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) April 20, 2024

The seemingly tongue-in-cheek caption "Nothing like receiving an 83-inch TV from the whole Yankees team for your retirement" echoes what many fans were likely thinking as they watched the ceremony.

To make matters worse, the Yankee Stadium announcer is heard on the video plugging the TV manufacturer as an official team sponsor — a fact that might make many wonder if the team even paid for the gift.

Sterling told Traina that he hadn't yet determined where to put the TV. However, it's safe to say he'll be watching the Yankees on his new screen. Although he's finished working the games, Sterling said he'll always be a massive fan.

"Last night, for example, I watched hockey, basketball and baseball, so this time of year is terrific," Sterling said. "I'm a great sports fan. I'm never [going to] stop doing that."

Aaron Case

Aaron Case is a die hard Yankees fan from upstate New York who fuels his writing with too much coffee. When he's not riding the emotional roller coaster that is the MLB season, he's probably daydreaming and doodling or making beats. Follow him on X @AarontheCase1

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