11
Jul
2010
Giants PA Announcer Bob Sheppard, 1910-2010
The sports world is still mourning the loss of PA announcer Bob Sheppard, who passed away Sunday at the age of 99. Sheppard is best known as the longtime voice of the New York Yankees, and was also the voice of the NY Giants from 1956-2006. The above video from ESPN.com does a nice job of illustrating Sheppard’s impact and legacy in the New York sports world.
Quite simply, Sheppard was the quintessential PA announcer. His voice was so booming, so ubiquitous in Yankee stadium for nearly 60 years, Reggie Jackson aptly dubbed him the “Voice of God”. And as someone who grew up as both a Giants and Yankees fan, Sheppard’s voice was an indelible part of my childhood sports memories, along with literally millions of other New York fans. His minimalist calls of “Simms to Bavaro … spilled by Joyner“, and “Now batting … #23, Don Mattingly, 1st base, #23” were as much a part of the live sports experience as cracker jacks and sticky floors.
Rest in peace, Bob. They just don’t make ‘em like you anymore.
AFTER THE JUMP, WATCH THE YANKEES TRIBUTE TO BOB SHEPPARD
