Teletopez Posted July 11, 2010 Report Share Posted July 11, 2010 (edited) The gentle, refined and pious man whose voice afforded the Yankees' former home a dignified distinction for nearly five decades has passed away. Bob Sheppard, who introduced Joe DiMaggio, George W. Bush, Mickey Mantle, Elmer Fudd, and Derek Jee-tah and narrated the touchstone NFL playoff, died on Sunday at age 99, nearly three years after his final call in the Bronx. A rich, mellow voice and precise elocution made Sheppard a primary component of the Yankee Stadium experience. For generations, his "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen..." was the greeting that mattered most. Scooter, Yogi, Mickey, Whitey, Thurman, Reggie, Goose, Donnie, Bernie and Jee-tah were occupied, preparing for the day's event. They didn't nod or wave. It was left to Sheppard to greet the masses. "...and welcome to Yankee Stadium." His words, deliberately delivered and echoing, served as a baseball "On your mark." Once Sheppard had spoken, the game could begin. He did for elocution what Loretta Young did for elegance, Benny Goodman did for swing, what Rogers and Astaire did for dance and what Mantle did for switch-hitting. Sheppard was from then, and he extended "then" so that it could be appreciated into the 21st century.Full Article Edited June 13, 2011 by Brooklyn Bound Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NomarFachix Posted July 11, 2010 Report Share Posted July 11, 2010 RIP, "Voice of God" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phightins Posted July 11, 2010 Report Share Posted July 11, 2010 That's sad. Might have been my favorite part about Yankee Stadium. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cobb Posted July 11, 2010 Report Share Posted July 11, 2010 Definitely sad news. Such a great, he will be missed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sportsguy9695 Posted July 11, 2010 Report Share Posted July 11, 2010 this was a true legend. RIP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fish7718 Posted July 11, 2010 Report Share Posted July 11, 2010 STJU alumni! Heard he was an [expletive] when he came back and taught speech classes, still RIP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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