The New York Yankees have had an elaborate and storied tradition of showering their retiring legends with extravagant gifts. There was a time when the Yanks went above and beyond. Remember, Joe DiMaggio’s speedboat? Or Catfish Hunter’s elephant? Well, these over-the-top gestures which were a hallmark of Yankee farewells have now shifted gears. A recent parting gift has some wondering if a new era of Yankee gift-giving has begun.

We all know John Sterling, the legendary voice of the Yankees. His retirement from the booth after 36 seasons called for a big celebration and occasion for gift-giving. A pre-game ceremony was held to honor his remarkable career. As part of the tribute, Sterling received a gift from the Yankees organization. But what he received drew in some crazy reactions from the Bronx faithful. 

Yankees go from elephants and boats to gifting a television

While the Yankees’ history hints at a treasure trove of generous gifts, Sterling’s haul was somehow more modest. The organization presented him with a personalized jersey commemorating his record-breaking number of games called, and an 83-inch television. That’s right, a television. This one had fans scratching their heads. 

This shift towards practicality has brought about some lesser-thought-of perspectives. John Sterling is a Yankees icon, and an 83-inch TV is certainly nice. However, in retrospect, it feels somewhat underwhelming compared to past gifts. That’s a great segue to look into what gifts the organization presented to other departing members of the Yankees family. 

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In 1939, Lou Gehrig was showered with silver platters, fishing rods, and a massive trophy when he retired. Joe DiMaggio, the Yankee Clipper, wasn’t just gifted a car in 1950. He received a speedboat, a bevy of watches, and even an electric blanket. But that’s not it,  Yogi Berra was presented with a station wagon and electric trains for his sons. The list goes on with Whitey Ford receiving a golf cart and a cruise; Catfish Hunter receiving a literal elephant (along with a pickup truck, because why not?); and Don Mattingly bidding farewell, in not one, but two golf carts.

Fans have quite an opinion on the Yankees’ choice of gift for John Sterling

While a massive television may seem like a great gift, fans certainly drew some comparisons with the older ones received by others. Not only that, they also dug deep to find out what the reason for this choice of gift for Sterling could have been. One fan ridiculed the choice comparing it to a “pizza”. 

Another fan had some fun saying they bought the gift from “Best Buy.”

This fan spoke about getting a TV “delivered” by the Yankees.

One among the others hoped that the Yanks could gift him something more personal. 

Sarcasm flowed in as fans said that they were probably saving up for Soto. 

While all this was only in good humor, the fact that the Yankees appreciated John Sterling’s contribution is not discounted. With that, the man who contributed loads with his voice bids farewell to the organization.