Enough with "God Bless America" for Seventh Inning Stretch!
"Take Me Out to the Ball Game," Already!
Here I am, watching the World Series, and the Giants score 3 in the top of the seventh, moving themselves closer to beating the Texas Rangers. And what comes before the bottom of the inning? The Stretch.
The Seventh Inning Stretch is a long-standing baseball tradition that used to have an almost as long-standing song, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game."
But just as I'm savoring the 3 run homer hit by Edgar Renteria, I hear the announcement for the new song, which has been a feature at many ballparks since after the attacks of September 11, 2001. And yes, it is a truly bad song.
Don't agree? I'm sorry. I like Lady Gaga and Mumford and Sons, you might disagree. But I don't ask to afflict you with them during a baseball game. It's a sporting event, not a nationalism rally. The time for "God Bless America" has come and gone.
I am ex-military, and I find the militarization of sporting events troubling. I'm sure that will get me comments from those railing about "supporting the troops," and I have to wonder, how many of them will vote tomorrow for conservatives who wish to water down veteran benefits?
But politics aside, what purpose is served by having "God Bless America" as the song for the Seventh Inning Stretch? Why turn what used to just be a fun-loving get up and sing time into a pseudo patriotic exercise in jingoism?
Maybe I'm reacting to strongly, but I don't think so. What's next, can't get in unless you have a flag pin?
Published by Jeff Musall
Jeff Musall has a passion for writing, a knack for frank and informed expression, and a desire to engage the minds of readers. He is an avid sports fan across the board and loves good competitions. His work... View profile
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17 Comments
Post a Commentwow. i see i'm late to the discussion! always spirited Jeff. I'd just ask that you keep your Lady Gaga where we all can see her. I don't think we're going to get God Bless America out of America's National Passtime. sorry. I agree its a little blood on the rooftops but i think ESPECIALLY since Fox broadcasts the World Series get ready for more and more (sniff) God-loving-God-fearing-Patriotism!
Kieth, you are suffering some projection there, calling another's post BS...
It’s no longer time to be “Politically Correct†– Hey Vincent, You Priss….Let’s go… Say something of value!! NOT JUST BS………….
No Vincent!! He has an opposing view…Get your panties in a wad… lets GO!!
Looks you have a Robert Adair of your own, Jeff!
As I have said before, America will not Change Progressive……. IT is an incredible country…Push “God Bless America†out of the 7th inning…. Watch the fans in the stadium exist in droves…
I guess what really bothers me is that everything Middle America believes in, Progressive’s want to destroy!! If “God Bless America†offends you “ Too Bad… It don’t offend me and I am also an “Atheist†I remember growing up in Detroit, in the 60’s, during the Vietnam era…Going to Tiger Stadium.. We sang the traditional songs with strong voices, “God Bless America: was one of them… many cried, with their hand on their heart!! Young soldiers were overseas, dieing for this countries war…
One of your fans says, "Baseball is American, So is GOD." I bet Yahweh was surprised. It seems to me that Christians would feel that their beliefs were being trivialized. Thanks for some great work, as always.
Wouldn't "Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves" more appropriate in this era of records set by cheaters hyped upon steroids? These losers stole the love of baseball from thousands upon thousands of former fans.
I don't like baseball, and I don't like having some religion stuffed down my ears either.