Bob Sheppard
Robert Leo Sheppard (October 20, 1910 – July 11, 2010) was the long-time public address announcer for numerous New York area college and professional sports teams, in particular the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball (1951–2007), and the New York Giants of the National Football League (1956–2006).
Bob Sheppard | |
|---|---|
Sheppard at the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2000. | |
| Born | Robert Leo Sheppard October 20, 1910 Richmond Hill, Queens, New York, U.S. |
| Died | July 11, 2010 (aged 99) Baldwin, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | "The Voice of God" |
| Education | St. John's Preparatory School |
| Alma mater |
|
| Occupation | public address announcer |
| Years active | 1951–2007 |
Sheppard announced more than 4,500 Yankees baseball games over a period of 56 years, including 22 pennant-winning seasons and 13 World Series championships; he called 121 consecutive postseason contests, 62 games in 22 World Series, and six no-hitters, including three perfect games. He was also the in-house voice for New York Giants football games for more than a half-century, encompassing nine conference championships, three NFL championships (1956, 1986, 1990), and the game often called "the greatest ever played", the classic 1958 championship loss to Baltimore.
Sheppard's smooth, distinctive baritone and precise, consistent elocution became iconic aural symbols of both the old Yankee Stadium and Giants Stadium. Reggie Jackson famously nicknamed him "The Voice of God", and Carl Yastrzemski once said, "You're not in the big leagues until Bob Sheppard announces your name."