Baldwin Residents, New York Yankee Fans say Good Bye to "The Voice"
Bob Sheppard
Baldwin, New York
Baldwin resident and New York Yankee icon Bob Sheppard will be laid to rest today at St. Christophers Roman Catholic Church in Baldwin. Mr. Sheppard, whose elegant introductions of stars from Joe DiMaggio to Yogi Berra and Derek Jeter at Yankee Stadium for more than 50 years earned him the nickname, coined by Reggie Jackson, "The Voice of God".
According to the Associated Press, Mr. Sheppard started with the Yankees in 1951 and last worked at Yankee Stadium late in the 2007 season, when he became ill with a bronchial infection. The Yankees' lineup for Mr. Sheppard's first game on April 17, 1951 included Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra and Phil Rizzuto. The opponents that day were the Boston Red Sox, led by Ted Williams.
Mr. Sheppard also served as the stadium voice of the NFL's New York Giants from 1956-2005, for men's basketball and football at St. John's University, where he taught, and Army Football.
Mr. Sheppard also served as Lector at St. Christophers Church in Baldwin where his funeral is being held. He was 99 years old.
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