Idiots Write About Sports

I love the seventh-inning stretch. I love “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” Even when sung with an odd German accent by Harvey Hindermeyer. But I can not take the singing of “God Bless America” in the seventh inning of every playoff game.

Yes, yes, we all love America. That’s why we play the national anthem at the beginning of every single game. Do we need another song, cluttering up the traditional joy of the seventh-inning stretch? And does it need to be the Worst Patriotic Song (Traditional)? (Worst Patriotic Song [Contemporary] is “God Bless the U.S.A.”)

“God Bless America” is a leaden song in the best circumstances. But even worse is the endless, mournful, slit-your-wrists version played at Yankee Stadium by the order of King George. And worse yet, apparently the geniuses at Fenway Park have decided to out-mourn the Yankees version with their own, deadly dull version. It’s as if we’re in the midst of a bring-down arms race.

It must stop. Restore the joy of America’s pastime with the uniquely American (except when sung by Harvey Hindermeyer) tradition of singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” and only that song, in the middle of the seventh. And while you’re at it, let’s consign both “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America” to the ash heap of history, and install “America the Beautiful” as the true national anthem.

Either that or “Radar Love.” It’s your call, America.

Hear, hear.

Speaking of the song 'take me out to the ballgame'does anyone know the artist and recording label of this song where the performer sings out of sync with the music? (on purpose) Its a hoot and I'd like to get a copy if available.

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