NEW YORK – John Sterling once said he loved broadcasting for home run-hitting teams because they allowed him to “do my act.”
A version was on display Monday against the Orioles, as Aaron Judge and Michael Kay teamed for a first-inning tribute to the legendary broadcaster, who passed away earlier in the day at 87.
When Judge connected for his Major League-leading 14th home run, a two-run blast into Yankee Stadium’s right-field bullpen, Kay met the moment by borrowing one of Sterling’s trademark calls.
“It is high, it is far, it is gone,” Kay said, continuing: “Aaron Judge, a Judgian blast! Here comes the Judge!”
The homer, off Baltimore’s Shane Baz, was Judge’s 91st career homer in the first inning – third most in Yankees history, behind only Babe Ruth (126) and Mickey Mantle (103).