The Voice of God

I think when a lot of people hear "the voice of God" in terms of sports context, they think of John Facenda, of NFL Films fame. But, as a Yankees fan, the best set of pipes ever belongs to Mr. Bob Sheppard. Maybe, I shouldn't say best set of pipes ever, but as far as public address announcers are, he is by far and away the best there is, was and ever will be. Sheppard once said his philosophy of what a PA announcer should be is clear, concise and correct. Sheppard exemplified all three and you could probably add another "C" to it as well. In terms of class. Even though Sheppard has been retired for about 3 years now, his voice still lives on. He is featured prominently on the YES Network's bumpers ("You are watching the YES Network"), and to this day he still announces one person's name each game. Derek Jeter, made a request that a recording of Sheppard be used when Jeter comes to the plate. Jeter will also have that honor, when he steps to the plate during Tuesday's All Star Game.

Never going to the "old" Yankee Stadium is one thing I really wish I could have done. I also would have love to have heard Bob Sheppard in person. Seldom in today's day and age do I think public address announcers or regular play by play announcers get lumped into the distinction of being lumped in with a team's legacy. There are only a few exceptions, Vin Scully with the Dodgers, Chick Hearn was with the Lakers, and I'd throw Bob Sheppard into that. Sheppard may not be tied in with the Yankees as much, but no doubt he is the voice of Yankee Stadium and he always will be.

Here's more links and features on Bob Sheppard.
Buster Olney tribute
ESPN Story
YES Network Coverage
MLB Network Tribute

My Super Pick

The Super Bowl pregame show started about 4 days ago, as NBC gives us a full 4 days of pregame coverage. Here's what you may have missed.

- On "Hardball", Chris Matthews interviewing Kurt Warner's garbage man, after the garbage man, revealed he knows Joe the Plumber. Matthews, refers Warner's sanitation collector, as Jim the Trash Hauler.

- Matt Lauer on the "Today show" interviewed Ann Coulter, asking her what does she have against Byron LEFTwich. Coulter, dodges the question and plugs her new book titled "I'm Still Talking, so Shut Up Matt". Willard Scott also makes a cameo to wish Morten Anderson a Happy 100th.

- On "Countdown", Keith Olbermann counts down his top 10 "Worse People in the World" The results go as such.
10. Jerry Jones
9. Dan Snyder
8. Bill Bellichick
7. Leonard Little
6. Michael Vick
5. Terrell Ownes
4. Al Davis
3. Adam "Don't call me Pacman" Jones
2. Rae Carruth
1. Bill O' Reilly

- On the 16th hour of "Today", Kathie Lee and Hoda, guests are Joe Namath and Frank Gifford. A tipsy Namath says "Kiss me, Kathie Lee", while a sober Gifford says "Kiss me, Hoda."

- Jay Leno Hosts "The Chin Show", special guest: Bill Cowher.

- Bob Costas complains about the wild card system, saying only division winners should be allowed in the playoffs. Costas, also states that there should be no interleague play, and the designated receiver should be eliminated.

- David Gregory hosts "Meet the Press" with Jay Glazer (FOX Sports), Adam Schefter (NFL Network), Chris Mortensen (ESPN), and Michael Silver (Yahoo). When the subject of journalistic integrity comes up, all four turn and look at Mortensen.

- Joe Biden hosts his own segment called "Listen to Joe". It has been running for 36 hours with no commercials. Biden has had no guests appear.

Now for the game, it somewhat reminds me of last year, no one is giving the NFC a chance. Do I think the Cardinals can win? Yes. Do I think they will? No. Mike Tomlin will prove his worth and coach the Steelers for another 20 years (which in today's NFL, is like 40 years). I like Roethlisberger to manage the game, and I like the Steelers defense to control the game. I think some of the Cardinals are just going to be happy to be there and it will show on certain plays. I do expect a low scoring and close affair. Let's call it Steelers 20 Cardinals 14.