John Sterling may come out of retirement to call postseason games for the New York Yankees, according to WFAN, the Yankees and people briefed on Sterling's plans.
Earlier this season, the 86-year-old Sterling retired from the pitching box after 36 years with the Yankees. The Yankees held a retirement ceremony for him. Ricky Ricardo, Justin Shakir and Emmanuel Belvari were the three pitchers who replaced him.
Sterling made a brief appearance in the Yankees' booth this week, teaming up with commentator Suzyn Waldman to provide play-by-play commentary for a few innings.
He plans to talk with Audacy New York president Chris Oliviero in the coming days about returning to the playoffs, according to a person briefed on the plans. Oliviero, who oversees WFAN, has not yet formally inquired about Sterling.
“The ball is in their court,” Sterling said. “They're going to have to ask. I feel bad for the guys who've been playing all year.”
Oliviero declined to comment.
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It's possible that WFAN and the Yankees could have Sterling call home playoff games, but initial information from people briefed on the discussions suggests he would be required to play in all playoff games, home and away. Travel was one of the main reasons Sterling retired in April. He said by phone Thursday that the playoff schedule has made that aspect easier.
If he returns, Sterling may call for a few regular season games to allow him to adjust.
Regardless of whether he returns in October, Sterling is expected to resume retirement at the end of the season.
The Yankees and WFAN will consider Ricardo, Shakir and Belbari for the job while also conducting a national search.
Recently, WFAN and the Yankees asked Craig Carton, co-host of FS1's “Breakfast Ball,” to do play-by-play for some games. Carton isn't a full-time candidate, but the team and radio executives like what he has to say and are planning to bring him back. That's unlikely to happen this season, since Carton's “Breakfast Ball” responsibilities don't really begin until September.
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