In a move that might seem too chummy for die-hard fans, the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox will switch play-by-play callers John Sterling and Joe Castiglione for an inning on Tuesday.
New York Yankees radio announcer John Sterling is going behind enemy lines.
The voice of the Yankees Radio Network will join the Boston Red Sox radio team on WEEI in the fourth inning of Tuesday afternoon’s series opener between the two teams. Suzyn Waldman will welcome Red Sox play-by-play man Joe Castiglione onto the Yankees’ WFAN broadcast.
Make sure you tune in a week from today for the “Rivalry In The Booth” when Joe joins Suzyn Waldman on @WFAN660 & @Yankees radio and John Sterling joins me on @WEEI & @RedSox radio during the 4th inning. @SoxBooth #RedSox #DirtyWater pic.twitter.com/pTFe2ariGt
— Tim Neverett (@TimNeverett) September 11, 2018
In a 2018 MLB season that has already featured a fight between Detroit Tigers’ TV announcers Rod Allen and Mario Impemba, let’s hope the Yankees-Red Sox “Rivalry in the Booth” doesn’t cause a similar situation on Tuesday afternoon.
Sterling, who will be paired with Red Sox color commentator Tim Neverett, isn’t too worried about tensions running high, though.
“It’s just a cute idea,” he told North Jersey Record’s Pete Caldera. “I don’t think anyone should take it too seriously. The world is not going to change, but it’s a fun thing and I’m looking forward to it.”
The beloved Yankees announcer is unrivaled in terms of charisma and creativity, especially when it comes to his signature home run calls.
John Sterling's call of the Giancarlo Stanton walk-off home run #Yankees (audio courtesy of @JimmyTraina): pic.twitter.com/E9GgfdHIPr
— Max Wildstein (@MaxWildstein) June 21, 2018
If a Red Sox batter hits one out in the Boston half of the fourth inning, Sterling might give the shot similar treatment.
Sterling said he would deliver a home run catchphrase if he could “think of something on the spur of the moment.’’
“I’m certainly not going to prepare anything,” he said. “But if they hit a home run, I’ll do my best.’’
How awesome would it be if he snuck in a dramatic call for a Red Sox strikeout instead, something like, “Andrew Benintendi, swings and comes up empty” or “Don’t bet on Betts?”
Come on, Mr. Sterling, do your worst for New York!
