Compilation of reactions to Sheppard’s passing

Reactions from the Yankees and all around baseball on the legendary Bob Sheppard’s death this morning:

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“Bob Sheppard was, in person, exactly as you imagined him to be: Distinguished, precise in his manner and in his words.

“He also was a former athlete, a winner of seven varsity letters at St. John's in football and baseball, and he was really, really fast, and competitive, even in his '90s.

“Sheppard used to read books between announcing hitters, and after introducing the final would-be out of every game, Sheppard used to leave his booth and stand at the back of the press box, preparing for his departure. If the hitter reached base, he would return to the booth and introduce the next batter.

“If the final out was registered, however, Sheppard would rush out the door, carrying a book in the crook of his elbow like a football, and he would race down the loge runway, moving swiftly and with determination, to make it to elevator that would carry him to the street level. Bob Sheppard would beat the crowd out of the park on most nights. I know this, because when I was the New York Times' writer on the Yankees beat, he usually out-raced me to the elevator.” – Buster Olney

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“I am deeply saddened by the death today of Bob Sheppard, a good friend and fine man whose voice set the gold standard for America’s sports announcers. For over a half century, fans were thrilled to hear his unforgettable voice and players were thrilled to hear his majestic enunciation of their names. Bob Sheppard was a great member of the Yankees family and his death leaves a lasting silence. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Mary, and their family.” – George Steinbrenner

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“Bob Sheppard's voice was the only voice you can think of coming out of the grandest sports cathedral in our country. His stentorian tone was the embodiment of class and represented everything that the Yankees and Yankee Stadium stood for. Yankee Stadium will never sound the same because no one will ever come close to the 'Voice of God.' He will be greatly missed. He was a gentleman of epic proportions, and an absolute joy to be around. My thoughts go out to his wife Mary and his family.” – Michael Kay

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“Bob Sheppard was an institution, as much a part of Yankees lore as all of the Hall of Fame players. You know you made it in the Majors when you heard Bob Sheppard announce your name at Yankee Stadium. It was always a thrill to hear his voice, regardless of whether I was with the Yankees or with another team. My thoughts go out to his family.” – John Flaherty

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“I remember walking in from the bullpen at Yankee Stadium during my major league debut (1987) and hearing Bob announce my name. I thought it was the greatest thing. Three years out of high school, and I'm in Yankee Stadium with Bob Sheppard announcing my name. I had arrived! He was a legend who went about his job with a quiet sense of dignity, and we will never see someone of his stature again.” – Al Leiter

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“The most polite man I think I’ve ever met.” – Gene Monahan

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“He's as much a part of this organization as any player. Players change year in & year out, but he was the one constant.” – Derek Jeter

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“Irreplaceable. You can't replace that.” – Mariano Rivera on Sheppard’s voice

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“He was obviously a legend; a tradition with the Yankees. When you think of the Yankees, you think of him announcing. When you think about the Yankees and the old stadium, there's no doubt you think about him.” – Andy Pettitte

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“That first at-bat at Yankee Stadium, you don’t forget it. And he’s part of that.” – Jorge Posada

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“It’s extremely sad. I think of Bob Sheppard, you think of all the tradition with the Yankees. You think about Ruth and Gehrig and Yogi and Joe D. and Mantle and I think you mention Bob Sheppard. That’s how important he was to this franchise. It’s very sad. First time I ever heard him was 1996, first time I ever walked out in Yankee Stadium and you realized that you hit the big lights when Bob Sheppard announces your name.” – Joe Girardi

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“To have your name come out of those lips, you're in the hallowed grounds of Yankee Stadium. I mean, Bob announces your name in the lineup, or announces that you are coming up, it's something that you always dream about.” – Chipper Jones

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“He had the most distinctive voice I've ever heard and he announced my name in my first game. It was special when he made the lineup announcement.” – Bobby Cox

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“We are very proud of the fact that he was the voice of the Giants for so many years. Bob was a true gentleman and the consummate professional. There will never be another one like him.” – New York Giants CEO John Mara