Saying Farewell to the “Voice of God”

You can imagine the sounds in heaven -- "now batting"...

Bob Sheppard, the man known respectfully as "The Voice of God" will be eulogized this morning at the Church of Saint Christopher in Baldwin.

I am here on Long Island watching friends, family and colleagues walk up the steps of this beautiful church as they prepare to say good-bye to the long-time Yankees Public Address Announcer, who served the team from 1951 through 2007.

Prior to today's Mass, a Liturgy of Remembrance will take place.

The speakers include Yankees General Manager, Brian Cashman and John Mara, Co-Owner of the New York Giants. St. John's Hall of Fame Basketball Coach Lou Carnesecca will share some words from the pulpit along with Sister Jean Amore and Paul Sheppard, Bob's oldest son.

It is a day of sadness -- but also a day of reflection, as we celebrate the magnificent life of an announcer, a teacher and an amazing human being. Bob's 99 year life voyage cannot be properly capsulized in 90 minutes but I still expect this ceremony yo be an honorable send-off to "The Voice of God."

I sit in this Church with eyes gazed forward -- and with memories of Bob, dangling in the back of my mind.