"The Voice of God" Officially Retiring

Bob Sheppard, "The Voice of God", as Reggie Jackson nicknamed him, is calling it "officially" done at 99 years young. Being a Yankee fan in Ohio, I didn't get the privilege of hearing him often, but I still can hear The Voice saying "Ladies and Gentleman...", whether it was the beginning of a game announcing the singer for "The Star Spangled Banner" or the seventh inning stretch getting ready for "Take Me Out to the Ball Game". Even though he hasn't been the public address announcer for a Yankee game since 2007 and has been going back and forth about retiring, I think all Yankee fans are finally feeling the end to a great announcer and friend. Of course I have to note his first game called was a home opener on April 17, 1951 against the Boston Red Sox. Announcing seven future HOF's (five from the Yankees and two from the Red Sox) the Yankees went on to win 5-0 as Whitey Ford throws out the first pitch and a boy named Mickey Mantle also makes his debut.