Longtime Yankees Announcer Bob Sheppard Dead At 99

Sheppard, who began his career with the Bombers in 1951, stayed on the job until illness forced him away from the microphone in 2007.

He officially retired last year, but his audio recording still is used to introduce Derek Jeter before each home at-bat.

During his career, Sheppard worked about 4,500 baseball games, including 62 World Series games.

Sheppard's clear distinctive style led Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson to give him the nickname "The Voice of God."

Fans who spoke with NY1 outside Yankee Stadium say he will be missed.

"First time I went to a game I was 12 years old and Bob Sheppard's voice came like out of heaven. It was just a beautiful voice. And you know I think Yankees, I think Bob Sheppard," said one Yankees fan.