Yankees fans reportedly get return of familiar, iconic voice ahead of playoffs

It was reported in August that New York Yankees retired announcer John Sterling was considering a comeback .

According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic , the 86-year-old's return to the broadcast booth is imminent.

Sterling was the Bronx Bombers' radio voice for 36 years before stepping away in April . The team held a retirement ceremony for him, and a rotation including Emmanuel Berbari, Justin Shackil, and Rickie Ricardo has joined color commentator Suzyn Waldman as Sterling's replacements this season.

"The ball is in their court," Sterling said of WFAN in August, per a report by Marchand. "They would have to ask. I would feel bad for the guys who have done the games all year."

The broadcasting legend returned to New York's broadcast booth in mid-August to announce with Waldman.

According to Marchand's report on Thursday, Sterling will call home and road games for the Yankees in October, which was a "prerequisite of WFAN executives." Furthermore, Sterling is expected to call some "regular-season tune-up games to prepare for the playoffs."

WFAN boss and Audacy New York president Chris Oliviero reportedly offered Sterling the opportunity on Thursday after "top Yankees executives" approved the decision last week.

Sterling was on the call for five of the team's record 27 World Series titles, including four in five years (1996, 1998-2000). The Yankees last won a championship in 2009, however.

Per Marchand's report, Sterling will continue his retirement following the playoffs.