Sunday, July 11, 2010

Bob Sheppard,1910-2010, R.I.P.

Bob Sheppard, who served as the public address announcer for the New York Yankees, died today after a long illness. He was 99.

Sheppard's voice graced Yankee Stadium from 1951 to 2007. For good measure he also worked with the New York Giants of the NFL from 1956 to 2006.

Reggie Jackson dubbed Sheppard the "Voice of God."

If you've never heard Sheppard's voice then check out Jim Bouton's website.

In his wisdom, Derek Jeter had Sheppard record the announcement of his name in the event he was unavailable. Thanks to Jeter, Yankee fans will still hear Bob Sheppard's voice.

When Sheppard wasn't behind the mike at baseball or football games he taught speech at St. John's University. Sheppard was also the PA announcer at St. John's sporting events into the 1990s.

Here is Sheppard asking Yankees fans to have a moment of silence in honor of Robert F. Kennedy following his assassination.

There will be a moment of silence for Sheppard when the Yankees return home on July 16th.

UPDATE: When Jeter comes to bat at Tuesday's All-Star Game in Anaheim, fans in attendance and watching on TV and listening on the radio will get to hear Sheppard's introduction in all its splendor.

No comments: