Tampa Bay Rays v New York YankeesTampa Bay Rays v New York Yankees / Jim McIsaac/GettyImages

New York Yankees icon John Sterling may have thanked Suzyn, retired, then got back to thanking Suzyn in time for this year’s playoffs, but his reemergence has not messed with his Hall of Fame eligibility.

A broadcaster can be elected to the Hall’s wing of voices while still active; after all, last year’s winner of the Ford C. Frick Award, Joe Castiglione of the Red Sox, continued calling games through the end of 2024, recently announcing his retirement.

Sterling is polarizing, sure, but that’s mostly because he’s long been associated with Yankees success, which rival fans tend to hate. Before he was the identifiable voice of New York victories, though, he also spent six seasons covering the Braves from 1982-1987, in addition to plenty of time spent with the Atlanta Hawks, New York/New Jersey Nets, and New York Islanders.

Those accolades — and, yes, his famous win warbles — have left him one step away from Cooperstown next summer. This year’s Frick Award winner will be announced from a group of 10 finalists on Dec. 11, and the 86-year-old Sterling will have to compete with some heavy hitters if he’s going to take home the hardware (including his rumored replacement!).

Yankees announcer John Sterling among Baseball Hall of Fame finalists for 2025 Ford C. Frick Award

In order to take home the honors, Sterling will have to win over a 13-person panel and outfox legends like Dave Sims (who might be sitting in his former booth soon), Tom Hamilton of the Guardians, Gary Cohen of the crosstown Mets, and Duane Kuiper and Mike Krukow of the Giants, both of whom should probably go in as a pair. Jon Miller, also famously of the Giants, is a member of that 13-person panel. Not sure how he’ll be able to pick between them, but he’ll certainly be a heavy advocate.

Still, Sterling — again, at 86 years old! — is at his highest likelihood of earning the honors, and baseball’s Winter Meetings could represent his shot at redemption this year. Keep your eyes peeled amid all the Twitter refreshing for Juan Soto updates.