Bob Sheppard, iconic Yankees PA Announcer, dies at 99

Bob Sheppard, the PA Announcer of the New York Yankees for over 50 years, died this morning at his home in Baldwin, NY at the ripe old age of 99.

Robert "Bob" Leo Sheppard was born on October, 20 1910. "The Voice of God," as Sheppard was nicknamed by Reggie Jackson, began his career as an announcer for the Yankees in 1951, announcing the game in which Mickey Mantle debuted in against the Boston Red Sox, until 2007, when he had to leave due to a bronchial infection. A graduate of St. John's University in 1932, Sheppard earned his Master's Degree in speech from Columbia University. Sheppard did not return to old Yankee Stadium for the 2008 season, and officially announced his retirement on November 27, 2009.

Before his retirement, Yankees' shortstop and captain Derek Jeter asked Sheppard to record himself announcing Jeter's plate appearance with the traditional:

"Now batting, numbah two,
Derek Jee-tuh, numbah two."

Jeter proclaimed that he would use Sheppard's announcing for every plate appearance of his career until his retirement, a huge tribute to the man behind the mic. Sheppard responded saying that Jeter's request was "one of the greatest compliments I have received in my career of announcing,"adding,"The fact that he wanted my voice every time he came to bat is a credit to his good judgment and my humility."

To this day, Sheppard's voice still announces Jeter when he comes to bat.

"He adds elegance to the game," said Fox Sports announcer Tim McCarver. "The best words to describe his introductions are 'eloquent' and 'elegant.'"

Sheppard, who has been forever immortalized in the Yankees' Monument Park in center field, announced 62 World Series games, two All-Star games, and introduced over 70 Hall of Famers throughout his illustrious career. Sheppard also served as the voice of the New York Giants from 1956-2006. However, it is his role with the Yankees that Sheppard will forever be remembered for.

Rest In Peace Mr. Sheppard.