Two Voices Silenced

The Jazz Bus: Two Voices Silenced
Yankee Stadium or Yankee Stadium East as I prefer to call the HOUSE THAT GEORGE BUILT is an awe inspiring structure. Beautiful as the new place is I still miss the old hallowed grounds where I spent many a day and night. New centerfield never had the grace of Number 7 running around, Thurman behind its plate, and Bob Murcer never tipped his cap from this dugout.
I took the train in for an afternoon game against The Tigers recently Accompanied by a Met fan who only a few nights before had his first experience at CitiField (Irish Night). Needless to say he liked “The New Shea” even though his beloved Mets lost (again), but was blown away by Stadium East.
My sojourn to Stadium East coincided with Yankees Hope Week, and on this particular day the Yankees celebrated the accomplishment of The Beautiful People and highlighted certain children from the organization. A young Down syndrome boy threw out the first ball accompanied by his proud parents. All stood together during Our National Anthem. But to me the most impressive part of the day was when the Public Address System was turned over to another young man to announce each of the Yankees players. Sixteen-year-old Daniel Fratto born with severe combined immune deficiency syndrome that requires him to wheel a portable oxygen tank around might have found his calling as the new public address announcer.
Yankee Stadium voice Paul Olden who to me is as boring as can be thankfully stepped aside to allow the youngster announce the Bombers in the home half of the fourth inning. Shown on the huge screen in centerfield it was obvious that young Dan was nervous but determined. With oxygen tubes visible he took a deep breath and calmly and perfectly said “Now batting, shortstop, Number 2, Derek Jeter, Number Two”. My heart skipped a beat. The only voice that announces The Captain is a taped recording of “The Voice of God” (appropriately named by Reggie Jackson), Bob Sheppard their announcer for 56 seasons. But this kid did it with the style and grace of the Great One, and Yankees responded, rallying to score two runs with Fratto behind the microphone. The Yankees won the game after tearing it open a few innings later. HOPE WEEK was a huge success and a tremendous community activity initiated by the Yankees. This young man’s voice and determination made me hopeful. It is a moment he will remember and I will likely never forget.
In centerfield next to the huge screen is a very imposing picture of The Boss with an inscription below. George Steinbrenner as a partial owner purchased the Yankees from CBS during a time when it was difficult to say you were a fan. But for the next 37 years he hired, fired, rehired, fired, and took a hands on approach like no one before him and most likely no one after him, Al Davis aside. The Yankees were dragged up by their stir-ups to their rightful position at the top of the standings
July 11, 2010, Bob Sheppard passed away. The Voice of God (in the stadium) was silenced forever. Two days later, The Boss left us to negotiate with the big guy. In three day’s time two legendary voices of the New York Yankees were silenced.
My son told me on the day that George passed that he, George, waited until Mr. Sheppard passed so that If The Boss is allowed to pass through the Pearly Gates he will be announced with the grace and dignity that he deserves. To both, Bless you and Thanks for the memories.
jazzbus@gmail.com