Bob Sheppard passes away

[A.E]

Yankees announcer Sheppard dies

NEW YORK -- The New York Yankees say longtime public address announcer Bob Sheppard has died. He was believed to be 99.

His death was confirmed to The Associated Press on Sunday by team spokesman Jason Zillo. Zillo didn't immediately have additional details, but said the team would release them later in the day.

Sheppard started with the Yankees in 1951. His impeccable introductions of stars from Joe DiMaggio to Derek Jeter earned him the nickname "The Voice of God."

Sheppard last worked at Yankee Stadium late in the 2007 season, when he became ill with a bronchial infection. He recorded a greeting to fans that was played at the original ballpark's final game in September 2008. His audio recording still is used to introduce Jeter before each at-bat at home by the Yankees captain.

He told MLB.com in 2009 that he had no intention of returning to the job.

He was also the stadium announcer for the NFL's New York Giants, who played at Yankee Stadium before moving to Giants Stadium, from 1956 through 2006.

Sheppard's first game as Yankee Stadium announcer was a 5-0 win over the Boston Red Sox on April 17, 1951 -- DiMaggio's last season and Mantle's first.

Really sad about this, Bob Sheppard is such a huge part of Yankee history. He's been ill since 2007 but it's kinda weird to think that he's definitely not going to be calling those games ever again.

Rest in Peace Bob.

 

[cruzg24]

This is a very sad day for baseball. When I was a little kid, I always imagined Bob Sheppard calling my name on the PA. It was like God was speaking to you when he spoke. If there ever was a mount rushmore for announcers, Bob would be on there. Rest in Peace.

 

[sheed]

We lost two of the most amazing public address announcers this year. Harwell and Sheppard. RIP.

 

[Gtown81]

probably the most epic voice in baseball, and my favourite

R.I.P.

 

[Big Bid'Ness]

R.I.P. Bob Sheppard, You will be missed.

 

[RipCity32]

We lost two of the most amazing public address announcers this year. Harwell and Sheppard. RIP.

+1

RIP Sheppard.

 

[The Guid]

Very sad news...power to the man though, he lived 99 years.

RIP

 

[A.E]

This is a very sad day for baseball. When I was a little kid, I always imagined Bob Sheppard calling my name on the PA. It was like God was speaking to you when he spoke. If there ever was a mount rushmore for announcers, Bob would be on there. Rest in Peace.

Don't beat yourself up over this FPS, damnit Bob was old. That's what happens to old people, they die.

 

[VC15]

"The Voice of Yankee Stadium"

Major credit for nearly living to 100.

RIP Bob Sheppard.

 

[cruzg24]

Don't beat yourself up over this FPS, damnit Bob was old. That's what happens to old people, they die.

I know, its just that Bob was a big part of my romanticism with baseball and it brings back a lot of memories.