Bob Sheppard passed away today at the age of 99. He was the Public Address voice of the Yankees (for 56 years) and the New York Giants (for 50 years). His voice was synonymous with the old Yankee Stadium. Sheppard left the Yankees in 2007 but Derek Jeter to this date is introduced by an earlier recording of Mr. Sheppard and will continue to use that voice for the rest of his career I believe. Bob Sheppard was known for his quiet but straight to the point introductions,
"Your attention, please, ladies and gentlemen," Bob Sheppard begins in his deep, distinguished voice before nearly every announcement he makes as Yankee Stadium's public address announcer. "Now batting for the Yankees, the shortstop, Derek Jeter ... No. 2."
The Yankees looked into using technology to recreate his voice on a permanent basis for generations to come.
Reggie Jackson once referred to him as "The Voice of God." Mr. Sheppard debuted on the same day as Mickey Mantle, how's that for baseball trivia?