New York Yankees public address man Bob Sheppard, ‘The Voice of God,’ dies; believed to be 99

Yankees PA man Bob Sheppard dies

NEW YORK — The New York Yankees say longtime public address announcer Bob Sheppard has died. He was believed to be 99.

His death was confirmed to The Associated Press on Sunday by team spokesman Jason Zillo. Zillo didn’t immediately have additional details, but said the team would release them later in the day.

Sheppard started with the Yankees in 1951. His impeccable introductions of stars from Joe DiMaggio to Derek Jeter earned him the nickname “The Voice of God.”

Sheppard last worked at Yankee stadium late in the 2007 season, when he became ill with a bronchial infection. He recorded a greeting to fans that was played at the original ballpark’s final game in September 2008. His audio recording still is used to introduce Jeter before each at-bat at home by the Yankees captain.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees say longtime public address announcer Bob Sheppard has died. He was believed to be 99.

His death was confirmed to The Associated Press on Sunday by team spokesman Jazon Zillo. There were no immediate details.

Sheppard, who had been ailing in recent years, started with the Yankees in 1951. His impeccable introductions of stars from Joe DiMaggio to Derek Jeter earned him the nickname “The Voice of God.”