April 17th, 1951.....

New York Yankees
LF Jackie Jenson
SS Phil Rizzuto
RF Mickey Mantle
CF Joe DiMaggio
C Yogi Berra
1B Johnny Mize
3B Billy Johnson
2B Jerry Coleman
P Vic Raschi

Boston Red Sox
CF Dom DiMaggio
RF Bill Goodman
LF Ted Williams
3B Vern Stephens
1B Walt Dropo
2B Bobby Doerr
SS Lou Boudreau
C Buddy Rosar
P Billy Wright


Why post this Lineup card? Becuase Bob Sheppard, the Public Address Announcer for the New York Yankees is hanging up his Microphone at the young age of 99, after 57 full years, and the last 2 in Semi-Retirement, citing "I think time has passed me by...." oh and how that time has passed unforgettably for those who have experienced the chills of hearing what Reggie Jackson has often reffered to as "The Voice of God". Thank you Bob Sheppard!

While I am not a New York Yankes fan, nor a hater of the Pinstripes, I am a fan of History, and the events this man has seen inside the Facade of Yankee Stadium are truly remarkable. While it isn't the moment I will forever remember in sports as my favorite; (The 7th inning stretch of Game One of the World Series 2001 in New York City after the 9/11 attacks.) This clip of Ronan Tynan singing God Bless America at the last game played in Yankee Stadium is pretty cool as well. If you listen carefully you'll hear Bob Sheppard announce Mr. Tynan in the background.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVzdJRYokUY&feature=related

Or try this one on... Following the death earlier that year of Yankee Legend Joe DiMaggio, Bob Shepard recreated and announces the Lineup card for Game 6 of the 1951 World Series that was the last game played by "The Yankee Clipper".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8V0W8xA8OQ&feature=related

And Chip... This is precisely why Derek Jeter is the Shortstop and Captain of The Yankees. He asked for Bob Sheppard's persmission and requests the Yankess play a recording of Bob Sheppard announcing him in the Batting Order at every game at Yankee Stadium. I don't care who ya are, that is Fuckin Cool! And that is why, even when they have 3 guys in the show, and 5 kids in the farm system that are better fielders, Derek Jeter remains the Captain of the Yankees and the starting shortstop.

Farewell to you Bob Sheppard... Farewell! Many years of Happy Retirement!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUS1QrTxB1o&feature=related