RIP, Bob Sheppard

He never played the game of baseball, never was a star on the field or in the clubhouse. Yet he was possibly the best known PA announcer in sports history.

Thew "Voice of God" has passed away today at age 99.

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 today 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.

How iconice was Sheppard, at least here in the New York area? Let's put it this way: It's not often kids grow up anywhere emulating not the stars on the field but the guy introducing them.

Here's a tribute to him from ten years ago.



To this day a recording of Sheppard still plays whenever Derek Jeter comes to bat.