Yankees' Steinbrenner, Sheppard Tributes Tonight & Tomorrow

Photograph of a makeshift memorial for George Steinbrenner outside Yankee Stadium by Frank Franklin II/AP

The Yankees' tribute to late owner George Steinbrenner and public address announcer Bob Sheppard will take place tonight before the 7:05 p.m. game against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Yankees recommend that attendees arrive by 6:45 p.m. According to the Post, "The observance will include a video tribute to The Boss and a special moment of silence honoring both Steinbrenner and longtime 'Voice of God' announcer Bob Sheppard, who died Sunday at 99."

A wreath will be placed in front of Steinbrenner's statue in Yankee Stadium's Executive Lobby while another will be placed in front of Sheppard's plaque in Monument Park. There will also be tributes to the pair before tomorrow's Old Timer's Game. The Yankees will be wearing patches Sheppard—on their sleeve—and for Steinbrenner—over their heart (patch pictured, left)—for the rest of the season.

The Daily News' Bill Madden is upset no Yankees players went to Sheppard's funeral yesterday: "It was just too bad that not a single player whose name Sheppard introduced, ever so properly and eloquently, over 57 years as the Yankees' P.A. announcer, was among those paying their final respects to the 'Voice of God.' Even if one player - certainly one among the former players employed by the team for this very purpose - would have shown up, it would have provided the touch of class George Steinbrenner always made sure to exhibit in these circumstances."

Update: Apparently reports that traffic from the Meadowbrook State Parkway crash delayed Yankees players from attending the funeral are incorrect, at least per a Yankees spokesman. ESPN New York reports:

"We didn't organize any bus for the players," Yankee publicist Jason Zillo told ESPNNewYork.com. "I don't know about any bus."

Asked if it would have been his responsibility to arrange for team transportation, Zillo said, "I would think so."

And a NY State Police spokesman said, "I happened to pass the accident site. I saw the procession pass by without any problems. There was no traffic whatsoever."

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on July 16, 2010 5:00 PM

Comments [rss]

SP's Ghost

The players did set out to the memorial service but were indeed held up in traffic due to the collision. Expect a retraction and apology from the douchebag Madden tomorrow. That is, if he has a spine and even a shred of credibility and integrity.

jaycjay

This guy actually makes some good points, even if no players did attempt to go:

"Brian Cashman gave a eulogy at the church service and several other members of the Yankee front office staff made the trip out to Baldwin as well. Those were the people Sheppard knew best in the organization.

He wasn't a television or radio announcer who traveled with the team or needed regular interactions with the players to do his job... there are likely many of the guys Madden calls out who didn't meet him at all."

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/sports/Yankee-Players-Didnt-Go-to-Bob-Sheppards-Funeral-98614524.html

But then, it's the news/entertainment business. Controversies must be created!

jaycjay

"no Yankees players went to Sheppard's funeral"

See that article down there about the fatal collision on the Meadowbrook Parkway? It's been reported that some of the Yankees were travelling to the funeral but were stranded because the parkway was closed for hours.

jaycjay

Many of the Yankees baseball team was expected at the church for the services, but sources say that they were rerouted directly to the cemetery due to a previous accident on the Meadowbrook Parkway, which was closed for hours.

http://www.liherald.com/detail/26474.html

Jen Chung

I'm going to add this to the post, but according to ESPN New York, no player bus was arranged and a NY State Police spokesman said, "I happened to pass the accident site. I saw the procession pass by without any problems. There was no traffic whatsoever."

http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/news/story?id=5386264

jaycjay

There's no question the parkway was closed for a while, as always happens for a fatal accident. The procession would have been after the funeral, heading to the cemetery. The traffic situation at that time isn't relevant.

And "no player bus" doesn't mean no players were going. These guys can all afford their own cars.