Bob Sheppard to Miss ALDS

Bob Sheppard missed the end of the regular season with Laryngitis and now he will be out of the post-season indefinitely.

Peter Abraham of the Journal News got this press release from the Bombers:

BOB SHEPPARD TO MISS DIVISION SERIES GAMES AT YANKEE STADIUM; WILL SNAP STREAK OF ANNOUNCING 121 CONSECUTIVE POSTSEASON GAMES

The New York Yankees announced today that public address announcer Bob Sheppard will be unable to attend 2007 Division Series games at Yankee Stadium due to a bronchial infection. He will be replaced by longtime backup Jim Hall.

Sheppard is in his 57th season as public address announcer at Yankee Stadium. His forthcoming absence will snap a streak of working 121 consecutive postseason games at Yankee Stadium, including 62 games in 22 World Series. His postseason streak began on October 4, 1951, in Game 1 of the World Series vs. the New York Giants. The lineups that day included Joe DiMaggio, Phil Rizzuto, Yogi Berra and rookies Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays.

“Doctors are monitoring my progress,” Sheppard said. “And I am hoping to get back to Yankee Stadium to watch—and announce—Yankees playoff games long into October.”

Sheppard’s first game as Yankees public address announcer was on Opening Day, April 17, 1951, as the Yankees defeated the Boston Red Sox, 5-0.

Get well soon Bob! :(