Bob Sheppard 1978 - Billy Martin to Return as Manager Speech, 7/29/1978

Bob Sheppard (10/20/1910-7/11/2010). An editied version of Bob's most famous introduction in his 57 seasons with the Yankee. The surprise announcement at the 1978 Old Timer's Day that Billy Martin would return as manager in 1980. This a week after his unpopular firing by Boss George Steinbrenner. Prior to the Old Timer's Day Bob was given this script and asked to announce it when Frank Messer gave him the cue. He did and the rest is Yankee history. Bob was a genuinely admirable human being and a gentleman of the old school who represented a bygone era of aspiration and dignity. The sacred eloquence that Bob's work represented and epitomized has now officially past. He was a credit to his faith, his family, his friends, and to sports. He possessed unrivaled character, integrity, courage, and class. How lucky I was to even know this exceptional man since his sterling influence on my life echoed through to my very heart and soul. I shall miss him terribly. We shall all miss the magnificent Robert Leo Sheppard. Thank you Bob Sheppard fans!