Baseball’s “Voice of God,” Bob Sheppard, Dies at Age 99
Yankee’s announcer Bob Sheppard, nicknamed the “Voice of God,” died on July 11, 2010 at the age of 99. Sheppard, who retired in 2007, earned his nickname because of the unimpeachable introductions he gave baseball starts such as Derek Jeter and Joe DiMaggio.
Earning his master’s degree from Columbia University in 1933, and working as a speech and debate teacher, Sheppard began his career as the announcer for the Yankees in 1951. During his over 50 years of service, he was the announcer for more than 4,500 Major League Baseball game, including 22 American League pennant games and 13 World Series championships the Yankees won. In addition to announcing baseball games, Sheppard was the public address announcer for football’s New York Giants.
Upon retiring, Sheppard served as a lector at his church. He died at his home, with his wife by his side, just a few months short of his 100th birthday. The “New York Post” released a statement from Yankee owner George M. Steinbrenner III regarding Sheppard’s death:
“I am deeply saddened by the death today of Bob Sheppard, a good friend and fine man whose voice set the gold standard for America’s sports announcers .For over a half century, fans were thrilled to hear his unforgettable voice and players were thrilled to hear his majestic enunciation of their names. Bob Sheppard was a great member of the Yankees family and his death leaves a lasting silence. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Mary, and their family.”
Additionally, a fan of Sheppard’s told the “New York Times”:“I know St. Peter will now recruit him. If you’re lucky enough to go to heaven, you’ll be greeted by a voice, saying: ‘Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to heaven!’”
[photo: Wikipedia]
Tags: bob sheppard, voice of god, yankees
