October 13, 1993 was the first time I heard ‘The Voice’

'The Voice' was unmistakable then, and won't be forgotten now. 'The Voice' resonated

throughout the biggest and most majestic building I had ever been in without shouting or

begging for attention. 'The Voice' was respected by everyone in attendance. 'The Voice'

perfectly articulated every player’s name...even the bad ones. 'The Voice' made sure I knew

exactly who was up before every at bat, and even told me who the giant lefty playing catch in

the bullpen was…"Number 32, Paul Assenmacher." 'The Voice' that was present during so

many of my fondest memories as a child and young adult left us on Sunday. I never had the

opportunity to meet or talk to the great Bob Sheppard, but here is hoping he stumbles upon this

one day.

'The Voice' may not realize the impact that he had on that 7 year old sitting in the left field

stands on that crisp autumn afternoon in 1993. It probably seemed like just the close of another

year of Yankee baseball, his 42nd behind the mic. But that afternoon had a great impact,

probably too hard to actually measure. The experience that I had at my first baseball game led

to a love of the game still felt today. It led to a passion, a thirst for knowledge, and ultimately, it

helped me become a decent enough fan that I can write this. It led me back to Yankee Stadium

to hear the famous, "Shortstop...#2...Derek Jeter...#2." And it leads me now to hope 'The

Voice' can call the names of those immortal players of past generations in one of those Nirvana

League games so many of us dream really do exist.

Thank you for all the memories, Mr. Sheppard.