Bob Shepherd passed away yesterday.  He was one of the great parts of the baseball experience, but if you live outside of New York, its doubtful you know his name.  Even if you live inside New York, you may have heard him speak hundreds of times and not known his name either.

Bob Shephard was the public address announcer for the New York Yankees from 1951 until 2007.  He was also one of the people who shaped the game experience of any fan who entered Yankee Stadium during those years.  His voice was distinctive.  Richard Sandomir writing today said “If the Yankees were arrogant, Sheppard was elegant. In the Yankees’ down years, he offered up his class”

Though he hasn’t appeared at the Stadium since the playoffs of 2007, when someone else struggled to pronounce Asdrubal Cabrera for the Indians, one can still hear his voice as Derek Jeter walks to the plate. In anticipation of this day, Jeter requested that Shephard record his name, so Shepard’s dulcet tones and precise manner could continue to be heard.  For the other players, well, it is just not the same introduction.

Shephard truly made the experience special at the Stadium.  Its a very sad day for anyone who spent any time at the old stadium.  We may not have known him personally, but we will miss him greatly- like we miss those memories of baseball in days gone by.  Goodbye old friend.

For more on Shehard from someone who did know him personally- here is a link to the Bill Madden obit piece.