Making The Call: A Great Career

One of the great figures in New York sports officially retired this week. Bob Sheppard, the public address announcer of the Yankees, Giants and St. John’s called it quits at the ripe old age of 99. Sheppard, who worked for the Yankees from 1951-2007 and the Giants from 1956-2006 was as much a part of the game as the players.

Usually you would hear the words as you made your way to your seats, “Good Afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Yankee Stadium.” The cadence was deliberately slow, with each syllable pronounced and it reverberated across the façade of the old stadium, bouncing back at you from different angles. Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Frank Gifford, Reggie Jackson, Lawrence Taylor, Chris Mullin, Derek Jeter, all of them were introduced by Bob Sheppard. And despite his absence from the new stadium, Derek Jeter used a recording of Sheppard to introduce his at bats there.

Billy Crystal once said that when he got to Heaven, he hoped Bob Sheppard would be there to announce him. Let’s hope Mr. Sheppard is in no rush to take that role and let’s appreciate one of the great careers in New York sports. The “Voice of God” will be missed.

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By Peter Trinkle in News on November 29, 2009 3:15 PM

Comments [rss]

ProcedureTurn

God Bless Bob Sheppard. He announced every game I've gone to since I've been a Yankee fan. Terrific voice and octave.

We'll miss his commanding voice. THre stadium will never be the same.

Good luck and thanks for the memories!

jchez

Having kids hear his voice for the first time was just about the same thing as showing them the monuments in the outfield.

Best wishes to him.

aa77

Hearing his voice and seeing the original Yankee stadium for the first time when I was 9 was what turned me into a Yankee fan for life. It's a shame that new generations of fans will never hear his voice live.

I am sad to hear that Sheppard is officially done, but at 99 years old and with over 50 years on the job, he definietly deserves a nice relaxing break.

Thanks Mr. Sheppard!

mdow

All the best to Mr. Sheppard. He is, and will be, missed. Hope his recovery continues and he's able to make it to the stadium at least once next year...

mellow_fellow

Wasn't the guy who did the voiceovers for NFL Films also dubbed "The Voice of God"?

dr zippy

That would be John Facenda. Sample

DanielJ

Bob Sheppard! The guy is the greatest announcer in the history of sports. He'll be missed. Any announcer from now on will be judged in relation to his mastery. This guy was 30 in 1941. Think about that! He's been around forever, and still has it. I wish him the best with his retirement. A great American.