Remembering The Voice & The Boss
Regardless of your team affiliation, this has been a sad week for all of baseball. On Sunday, “the Voice of God”, Bob Sheppard voted for away at the age of 99, and just this morning “The Boss” George Steinbrenner voted for away at 80. both men left cherished inscription on the national pastime.
Bob Sheppard’s voice was a part of the ancient Yankee Sports ground for over 50 years, and to this day Derek Jeter uses a recording of Sheppard for every home at-bat. Sheppard had one motto, “Be clear, be concise, be right”. his voice welcomed millions and millions of fans to Yankee Sports ground, and Sheppard himself said “I don’t go to work. I go to a game.” He became more than a PA telecaster, he became part of the fabric of the Yankees. his first game announcing at Yankee Sports ground built-in names like Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, and Ted Williams. Tonight at the All-Star game, Sheppard’s voice will make the trip to Anaheim and introduce Derek Jeter in a fitting tribute to one of the splendid voices of the game. Beloved by fans and players alike, his voice will always be the voice of the Yankees.
George Steinbrenner was one of the more controversial figures in sports description. He was banned twice from the game, loathed and loved by players and fans alike, and built the modern Yankees empire. to fans like myself, he was the best and worst in an owner. On the positive side, he would do whatever it takes to win. On the unenthusiastic side, he would do whatever it takes to win. He would trade fan favorites, eat up the farm system, and fire managers all in an effort to win. He also turned the Yankees into the biggest franchise in sports. Steinbrenner always had the best intentions at heart, even if he went about it the worst way possible. In the end, he brought 7 World Series titles, 11 Pennants, 16 Division titles, and a new sports ground to the Yankees. often criticized for the way he ran the Yankees, I still say any team would love to have an owner like Steinbrenner. Unlike a lot of owners, he didn’t see owning a baseball team as an investment. The Yankees were his passion, and he place everything he could into construction the team into a model for all other teams.
Both of these men left their mark on baseball, and tonight they will both cast their shadow over the All-Star Game. a fitting the boards for two baseball originals.
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