Steinbrenner, Sheppard honored by Yankees

BALDWIN, N.Y., July 16 (UPI) -- The New York Yankees paid tribute to the team's late owner George Steinbrenner and announcer Bob Sheppard prior to Friday's game against Tampa Bay.

Pitcher Mariano Rivera placed roses on home plate and shortstop Derek Jeter delivered a brief eulogy for the two men prior to a moment of silence.

"Both men, Mr. George Steinbrenner and Mr. Bob Sheppard, cared deeply about their responsibilities to this organization and to our fans," Jeter said. "And for that, they'll forever be remembered in baseball history and in our hearts.

"Simply put, Mr. Steinbrenner and Mr. Sheppard both left this organization in a much better place than when they first arrived. They've set the example for all employees of the New York Yankees to strive and follow."

A video memorial highlighting the life of Steinbrenner was shown during the ceremony, and at the end of it the fans stood and applauded.

Sheppard died Sunday at age 99, two days before Steinbrenner died Tuesday at age 80.

Yankees officials, including General Manager Brian Cashman, attended the funeral for Sheppard, but no players joined them.

Cashman was joined by Debbie Tymon, senior vice president of marketing for the team, at Sheppard's funeral mass at the Church of St. Christopher in the village of Baldwin. However, none of the players he introduced during his 57 years as announcer attended the funeral for Sheppard, the New York Daily News reported Friday.

Cashman delivered a eulogy at Sheppard's service, recalling that the announcer would perform Sunday religious readings before home games.

"One day, he asked for volunteers to take his place," Cashman said, "and you never heard such a silence in that room.

"Bob will not be remembered as a good teacher of speech. He'll be remembered as a great teacher of life," Cashman said.