I went for a walk the other night, and I ended up taking a trip down memory lane in the process.

It worked out really well in both regards.

As I walked, I couldn’t help but to think about the passing on Tuesday of legendary New York Yankees radio broadcaster John Sterling. He was 87.

Sterling didn’t just call Yankees games, but he was the Yankees to a lot of people. As several iconic players said in stories that have been written about Sterling, he was as important in the history of the the team as any player or coach.

Jim Donovan, who loved listening to radio — and TV — announcers in all sports all over the country, did a great imitation of Sterling calling a Yankees game. It sounded just like him. It made everyone laugh.

The late, great Donovan was to the Browns what Sterling was to the Bronx Bombers.

So was Nev Chandler, and before him Gib Shanley.

Joe Tait had the same role with the Cavaliers.

And Tom Hamilton has that role now with the Guardians.

Indeed, sports radio play-by-play announcers become the voice — and face — of their teams.

In honor of all that, and them, I decided to get a pick-me-up for the last lap of my walk. I listened on my phone to a clip of some of Donovan’s best calls. It turned out to be the best part of the day. I was taken aback — again — by just how wonderful he was.

And he was also that good of an announcer.

To listen to him now makes me get choked up. It works every time it’s tried.

But they were happy tears. What a legacy!

They are doing the same thing in New York this week.

It’s a celebration, not a wake.

That’s the way it will remain.

As it should.

We know that here in Cleveland.

Steve King