The Voice of the Yankees Has Been Silenced

Bob Sheppard, who served as the public address announcers of the Yankees for years upon years, has passed on at the age of 99. He was part of New York baseball, whether you love or hate the team in the Bronx. No one had a voice like his. He is, like Vin Scully and the ballpark organist, a throwback to another era. Reggie Jackson called him "the voice of God." This sums it up well, I think.

His voice will still be here at Yankees game for a while longer, as Derek Jeter insists that a recording of Sheppard be used to introduce his at bats. I suspect that when the Yanks return home after the All-Star Game, Jeter's first at bat will be an emotional one.

Rest well, Mr. Sheppard.

World Cup Rematch

Today is not the first time Spain and the Netherlands are facing each other. But the stakes are much lower than in this instance.