Oct 28, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) reacts after striking out during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game three of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Though the New York Yankees made a run to the World Series in 2024, it never really felt like they had “it.” There were just far too many issues with the fractured communication, injuries, spotlight performances, fundamentals, you name it.

One of their chief critics has been radio broadcaster John Sterling, who called the Yankees out for “running the bases like drunks” during the ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians. But Sterling’s been imperfect himself in recent years, especially with how everything’s gone down in 2024.

He’ll always be a legend given his longevity and incredible accomplishments, but it really is upsetting to see him go out in this manner. After refuting retirement rumors the last couple of years, Sterling abruptly retired in April, citing his disdain for commuting to Yankee Stadium — something he had been doing for the last 35 years.

It felt odd. It felt like something else was at play. Some speculated he was enduring health issues, but, per Sterling, that wasn’t the case.

Five months later, he reclaimed his seat in the booth at WFAN and essentially hopped on the Yankees World Series bandwagon, which has turned out to be among the most underwhelming championship runs New York fans have ever seen. And now, Sterling might go out being remembered for … this.

John Sterling’s embarrassing World Series call marking unfortunate end to Yankees run

Yeah … we’re dying for Aaron Judge to do something, too, so we get it. But, man, that wasn’t even close. Couldn’t be less close, in fact.

Sterling also became the butt-end of jokes for Red Sox fans back in 2021 during the AL Wild Card Game at Fenway Park when he thought Giancarlo Stanton’s towering fly ball was a goner. The end result? The ball hit the top of the Green Monster, Stanton was held to a single, and the Yankees got pasted by their rival in another hotly-contested playoff game. This organization has only had success in unison once since 2001. Think about that.

About two months ago, Sterling appeared on the YES broadcast with Michael Kay and Paul O’Neill, and had nothing but critiques for the Yankees. During the broadcast, Kay asked Sterling, “Is there ever a point — this is a heavy question — that you say to yourself, ‘I shouldn’t have left, I still love it.'”

Sterling replied, “No. I mean I love the games, but getting to all of them … it’s not easy at my age. You know, 64 years on the air, you figure that’s enough.” This was four months after Sterling called it quits. Two weeks later, it was reported he’d be back for the playoff run.

The 86-year-old has earned the right to call his shots, nobody is denying that. But the manner in which it has all unfolded certainly doesn’t lay out a storybook ending for anybody involved.