Famed Yankees announcer Sheppard dies

NEW YORK - Bob Sheppard, whose dignified introductions of stars from Joe DiMaggio to Derek Jeter spanned a career of more than 50 years as Yankee Stadium announcer, has died at the age of 99.

Sheppard died at his home on Long Island with his wife, Mary, at his side, the team said.

Sheppard started with the Yankees in 1951 and he last worked at Yankee Stadium late in the 2007 baseball season when he fell ill with a bronchial infection.