Yankees legend John Sterling’s Giancarlo Stanton catch call is indefensible

John Sterling was the voice of every kid’s summer for the entirety of the Yankees dynasty, as well as the bountiful next era lasting from 2009-2012. He is the warbling creator of decades of joyful memories.

Unfortunately, no one can force him to stoparlo, and so here we are, listening to his depressing attempts to reconcile what baseballs are gone and what baseballs are caught, rolling around, or fouled off to the third baseman.

Has WFAN begun sending Sterling and his partner Suzyn Waldman back on the road again? Supposedly, yes, but it’s impossible to tell from the recent clips that have circulated — some of which took place in the Bronx.

In the second inning of Tuesday’s win in Toronto, Sterling Haters were given more ammunition, and Yankees fans were given another reason to crouch in the corner and blush while trying to defend the indefensible.

Blue Jays third baseman Matt Chapman rocketed a ball to deep right field, forcing Giancarlo Stanton all the way back to the fence. When he reached the wall, he leapt athletically and came down with a spectacular grab, saving a double.

Unfortunately, Sterling called it a home run, couldn’t figure out why the action had paused, let his partner Waldman sheepishly tell him it was a catch, then defended his mistake by saying Stanton never threw the ball back to the infield.

Stanton did throw the ball back to the infield.

John Sterling botched Yankees star Giancarlo Stanton’s spectacular catch call.

The worst part? It’s disingenuous to say Sterling is developing this new habit as he ages. The social media era has allowed for his gaffes to be spread far and wide — and quickly — but he’s been blowing, “It is high! It is far! It is … caught, how do you like that?” for ages.

The pauses in disbelief are new (and understandable, as Sterling is 83 years old!), but the misjudging of long fly balls is as baked into Yankees lore as Joe Girardi’s World Series triple or Ron Guidry’s slider.

Having Sterling around for the next Yankees championship would be a fruitful reward, and a win never feels the same without his trademark warble. Opposing fans despise it, which only increases its power.

Sadly, though, the familiar voice may have to graduate to an emeritus role sooner rather than later. This is getting difficult to justify.

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