Yankees pay tribute to Steinbrenner, Sheppard

The New York Yankees, rocked by the deaths of owner George Steinbrenner and longtime Yankee Stadium announcer Bob Sheppard, paid tribute to both Friday in an emotional pre-game ceremony.

Closing pitcher Mariano Rivera laid red roses across home plate. Manager Joe Girardi had tears in his eyes and Derek Jeter's voice was filled with emotion as he spoke to the crowd.

"We gather here tonight to honor two men who were both shining stars in the Yankee universe," Jeter said as his teammates and the Tampa Bay players stood, their caps off, in front of their dugouts.

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

Fans stood as "Taps" was played, and for a two-minute moment of silence. The 27 World Series banners won by the Yankees - seven of them during Steinbrenner's tenure as owner - were lowered to half-mast.

"Simply put," Jeter said, "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 to follow."

Steinbrenner died on Tuesday at the age of 80 after an apparent heart attack. He had owned the Yankees for 37 1/2 years.

Sheppard, whose dignified introductions were the voice of old Yankee Stadium from 1951-07, was 99 when he died on Sunday.