NEW YORK -- Yankees radio broadcaster John Sterling's Lou Gehrig-esque run will come to an end on Thursday -- his 81st birthday -- according to a report from the New York Post's Andrew Marchand.

Sterling hasn't missed a game since 1989 -- his first year as the Yankees' radio voice. He was absent two games that September after the death of his sister, but he's been on the air for every game since, postseason included. In that time, he has called more than 4,900 games in a row.

Per Marchand, Sterling said he hasn't been feeling 100 percent, but did not offer specific details.

"For the moment, I'm a little under the weather," Sterling said. "I've put in the time. I want to feel better and they think this is the time for me to do it -- and I agree."

Sterling, who is known especially for his unique and enthusiastic home run calls, will be replaced in the booth by Ryan Ruocco of the YES Network, ESPN and DAZN when the Yankees take on the Rays in Tampa Bay on the Fourth of July. Ruocco will work with Suzyn Waldman, Sterling’s broadcast partner since 2005.

“It’s an awesome streak,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said before Tuesday’s game. “And I’m just glad and hopeful that the little break is something that can be beneficial for him moving forward so that he’s fresh and good to go for the second half of the season. His voice, his calls, I try and listen to them every night, if I go back and want to see certain plays or watch highlights. I always love hearing it with a John Sterling call.”