Something was missing at Yankee Stadium yesterday for the Bombers’ home opener. Longtime public address announcer Bob Sheppard’s streak of 55 consecutive home openers, which began in 1951, came to an unexpected end.
Sheppard threw out his left hip Monday night at his Long Island home, the Yankees announced before the game against the Royals. Sheppard will miss the entire Royals series this week. He hopes to return on April 21 when the Yankees face the Orioles.
“I am very disappointed,” Sheppard said in a statement. “I am optimistic that I will return to the Stadium for the next homestand.”
Bill Hall, who has filled in for Sheppard before, announced yesterday’s game.
Sheppard’s distinctive voice has been heard at the Stadium since April 17, 1951 when he announced a Yankees-Red Sox game. Known as the “Voice of God,” Sheppard also served as the P.A. announcer for the football Giants from 1956 until he stepped down at the end of last season.
Sheppard does not reveal his age, but is believed to be in his mid-90s.
“The fact that he’s been here this long is pretty incredible,” Joe Torre said. “It’s what he represents. It’s part of what goes with this stadium in my lifetime.”
Many Yankees players and staff members imitate Sheppard’s unique style. Derek Jeter is known to have one of the best impersonations. The Yankees captain was surprised when told by reporters before yesterday’s game of Sheppard’s injury.
“He’s got that voice that tells you it’s Yankee Stadium,” Jeter said. “Even if you couldn’t see what’s going on, all you had to hear was hear his voice and you know where you are.”
Jeter said he has a plan if Sheppard ever retires.
“Everyone looks forward to it,” he said. “It’s something never gets old. If he ever retires, I would like them to record his voice and every time I come up just push play on it.”
Yankees legend Reggie Jackson said Sheppard helped him prepare his speeches for both his Hall of Fame induction and the day the Yankees retired his number. Jackson delivered his best Sheppard imitation in the clubhouse before the game yesterday.
“I’m going to miss that [today],” Jackson said.
Additional reporting by Michael Morrissey.
