Yankees iconic radio voice John Sterling retiring immediately, team announces

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Legendary New York Yankees radio voice John Sterling is retiring effective immediately, the team announced in a statement on Monday. 

Sterling, 85, is reportedly retiring due to health concerns, per The Athletic. He said in an interview with the outlet last month that he was "near the end" of his career, though he didn’t give a timetable.

Sterling will be honored by the Yankees on Saturday during a ceremony at Yankee Stadium amid their series with the Tampa Bay Rays.

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New York Yankees radio broadcaster John Sterling speaks during the team's 63rd Old-Timers' Day on July 19, 2009, at Yankee Stadium. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

"I am a very blessed human being," Sterling said in a statement. "I have been able to do what I wanted, broadcasting for 64 years. As a little boy growing up in New York as a Yankees fan, I was able to broadcast the Yankees for 36 years. It’s all to my benefit, and I leave very, very happy. I look forward to seeing everyone again on Saturday."

WFAN, the station where Sterling’s signature calls like "Theeeeeee Yankees win" after each victory has been heard, also released a statement. 

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"Yankees radio will never quite sound the same without the signature voice, wit and humor of John Sterling," WFAN said. "To generations of Bronx Bombers fans, he was a beloved companion that when you heard John, you knew it was time for baseball. Though he never wore the pinstripes, except of course for his fine tailored suits, he was one of the most colorful personalities in Yankees