By Nina Mandell
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Legendary Yankees public address announcer Bob Sheppard died Sunday at the age of 99, the Yankees confirmed.
Sheppard, who worked at Yankee Stadium until 2007, was named “The Voice of God” by player Reggie Jackson and has been adored by fans since he introduced Joe DiMaggio back in the 1950s.
The Yankees' lineup for Sheppard's first game on April 17, 1951, included DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Johnny Mize, Yogi Berra and Phil Rizzuto.
The Bronx Bombers have often honored the beloved broadcaster, including hosting a Bob Sheppard Day in 2000 and naming the media room in the new stadium after him.
A bronchial infection in 2007 forced him to break his consecutive streak of announcing 121 postseason games as the Yankee public address announcer.
But his presence was always felt in Yankee Stadium as Derek Jeter insisted that a recording of Sheppard introducing him is played when he's heading to bat — an honor that touched Sheppard.
"The fact that he wanted my voice every time he came to bat is a credit to his good judgment and my humility," Sheppard once joked, according to MLB.com.
Sheppard also served as the New York Giants’ public address announcer, but it was his time with the Yankees that he was best known for.
In a May 2000 interview with USA Today, he said his favorite memories of games he called were Don Larsen’s perfect game, Chris Chambliss’ game-winning home run in 1976 which gave the Yankees their first pennant in 12 years, and Reggie Jackson’s three home runs in the 1977 World Series.
For ballplayers, hearing Sheppard’s classic voice announce their name was a dream come true.
"First time I heard it, it was my realization of making the big leagues after 10 years in the minor leagues," Clay Bellinger, who reached the majors after 10 years in the minors, told USA Today. "Think of all the people he's announced."
