11/26: Bob Sheppard: "I Have No Plans of Coming Back"
Posted by: Patrick
In April of 2006, Bob Sheppard's streak of 55 consecutive home openers as the Yankees public address announcer came to an end. But, he got back to work and was at his regular post for 2006 and almost all of 2007. An infection led to his missing of the ALDS in 2007, ending a streak of 121 consecutive home postseason games.
He signed a two year extension during the offseason and hoped to return. But, it just never worked out. He hoped for a summer return and to be able to call the All-Star Game during the old Yankee Stadium's final season. Neither happened. He didn't call the final game at the old park, either. But, he still aimed to be back for 2009.
But, then he missed the opening game at the new park. Reports soon broke out that he planned to retire, but the Yankees categorically denied the reports, calling them untrue. And so, the season kicked off and there was still hope of a Sheppard return. The season ended, the postseason ended and we won the World Series. All without an appearance from the longtime PA announcer.
With his two year contract at it's end, Sheppard told MLB.com's Bryan Hoch that he does not see himself back at the post again.
"I have no plans of coming back," Sheppard said. "Time has passed me by, I think. I had a good run for it. I enjoyed doing what I did. I don't think, at my age, I'm going to suddenly regain the stamina that is really needed if you do the job and do it well."
He also shared his thoughts on his successor Paul Olden and how he feels about Derek Jeter insisting that a recording of Sheppard introduce him for the rest of his career.
Sheppard has earned the rest. He's an unmistakable part of Yankee history (I still remember visiting the old Yankees website and hearing his voice), a legend and he'll be deeply missed as the public address announcer. We wish you nothing but happiness, Mr. Sheppard. Thank you.
He signed a two year extension during the offseason and hoped to return. But, it just never worked out. He hoped for a summer return and to be able to call the All-Star Game during the old Yankee Stadium's final season. Neither happened. He didn't call the final game at the old park, either. But, he still aimed to be back for 2009.
But, then he missed the opening game at the new park. Reports soon broke out that he planned to retire, but the Yankees categorically denied the reports, calling them untrue. And so, the season kicked off and there was still hope of a Sheppard return. The season ended, the postseason ended and we won the World Series. All without an appearance from the longtime PA announcer.
With his two year contract at it's end, Sheppard told MLB.com's Bryan Hoch that he does not see himself back at the post again.
"I have no plans of coming back," Sheppard said. "Time has passed me by, I think. I had a good run for it. I enjoyed doing what I did. I don't think, at my age, I'm going to suddenly regain the stamina that is really needed if you do the job and do it well."
He also shared his thoughts on his successor Paul Olden and how he feels about Derek Jeter insisting that a recording of Sheppard introduce him for the rest of his career.
Sheppard has earned the rest. He's an unmistakable part of Yankee history (I still remember visiting the old Yankees website and hearing his voice), a legend and he'll be deeply missed as the public address announcer. We wish you nothing but happiness, Mr. Sheppard. Thank you.
Seamus wrote:
Sheppard was such a fixture at Yankee Stadium that after a while you stopped thinking twice when you heard his voice there because you were so used to it. So if I had to pick one particular moment that I remember most about Bob Sheppard, it would have had to be that game in the Meadowlands. Good luck to Mr. Sheppard and his family as he can finally begin his "golden years."