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The much beloved longtime public-address announcer for the Yankees, Bob Sheppard, officially retired today. His friend and agent Paul Doherty broke the news to the Times, telling them, “I think Bob just wants to take it easy and no longer have the pressure of, ‘Can he? Will he? Or won’t he?’" Sheppard is 98-years-old and has been introducing Bombers to the plate since 1951. Health problems have kept him sidelined for portions of the last few seasons—including last year's final Opening Day at the old Stadium. Doherty said, “I’m happy to say that Bob is still doing well enough to drive a car...Now on to him seeing his 100th birthday in a year and a half.” There is no word yet on who will replace Sheppard, other than it will not be previous backup Jim Hall. Sheppard's voice will still be heard in the new Yankee Stadium announcing Derek Jeter—the Yankee captain had previously asked Sheppard to record his introduction so that it could be used permanently.
Now Retiring...Bob Sheppard...Yankee Stadium Announcer
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the cops have busted the block of canal street near pearl paint.
I talked to them and they said that
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The new stadium will feel a lot emptier without his legendary voice booming over the speakers.
I will always remember my first Yankee game in 1986 and the first time I heard his voice. He is one of the major reasons that I fell in love with the Yankees.
I knew that this day was coming sooner or later, and am so glad that he was able to do what he does best for so long. Still, it would have been nice if his voice could have helped open the new stadium.
Thanks Bob!
Seriously. He would have brought the only shred of soul over to the new palace of greed and corruption. Without him, forget it, the place will have no character, it will be the of Epcott Center of baseball.
He will be missed.
I like Jeter's love and respect of what being a Yankee is(when it comes to team related issues) and the cool way he's paying homage to a legend such as Bob.
I do too, but if Bob passes away while Jeter still plays, is it in bad taste to have yourself introduced by a dead man's recorded voice?
Maybe not bad taste, but at least a little creepy.
I don't think so, i mean they use Kate Smith's rendition of God Bless America, i think he's thinking that voice is a voice of the Yanks regardless if he's living or dead.
As much as I love Bob Sheppard, it's pretty scary that he's ninety-eight and still driving.
Then tell him yourself when's he's cruising by on the sidewalk.
Sad news, but it's amazing that he's lived so long. He owes it to himself to have some real retirement time.
I remember at the last game at the Old Stadium last year he was up on the big screen saying that he really hopes to be there opening day. I guess he just isn't well enough.
I just hope the next announcer carries on his tradition- Now batting, number 51, Bernie Williams, center field, number 51.
Hmmm. Gothamist reports he "officially retired" today, but the NY Times article doesn't say that. And the Yankees deny any official retirement, too:
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090401&content_id=4102462&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy
So what's your source, Gothamist?
It's obvious, he just wants a new contract (10 years!!!):
"Contract Provision Number Two: The Yankees order me a Paisano's calzone every day. Calzone. Every day. Contract Provision Number Two."
According to the Yankees and Bob Sheppard's son, the report isn't true:
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090401&content_id=4102462&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy
Dear Mr. Shephard,
I have recognized your voice as the announcer for the Yankees and have been listening for years with so much pleasure because you were my first year high school English teacher at John Adams. I could recognize that voice anywhere. Congratulations on your retirement. My wife and I pray you will be blessed and healed in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Frank