For the first time in 56 years, Bob Sheppard misses opening day at Yankee Stadium. He threw out his hip on Monday night and will miss the three game series against Kansas City, but hopes to be back for the homestand against Baltimore on April 21.

“I am very disappointed that I will miss my first Opening Day at Yankee Stadium since I began this job in 1951,” Sheppard said. “I am optimistic that I will return to the Stadium for the next homestand.”

Shepperd has been the public address announcer since 1951, and will be replaced by his backup Jim Hall.