Sheppard Hopes to Return for Final Game

From Jim Baumbach:

Everyone knows the only fitting way to close Yankee Stadium is with Bob Sheppard returning to be the public-address announcer for the final game. His health has kept him from doing a single Yankees game this season - which would have been his 58th - but rest assured he has visions of returning for the finale.

"If I can be there, I shall be there."

That's what he said by phone Thursday morning from his Baldwin home, and he spoke those words using the same tone, diction and precise pronunciation that became synonymous with Yankee Stadium many decades ago. He was jovial and upbeat during our 10-minute conversation, sounding no different than he has for decades.

"The doctor is questioning my stamina," Sheppard said.

"In other words, can I leave my home in Baldwin at 4 o'clock in the afternoon and get home at midnight and not suffer any relapse?"

"Each day I'm getting a little bit better," Sheppard said. "Each day from January until now there has been an improvement in my weight, in my stamina, and in my outlook."

It would be great if Mr. Sheppard could return for the final game at The Stadium. It's the way it should be. Hopefully things work out and he's able to be there.