As a child, I loved nothing more than Harry Caray's rendition of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame." Simply put: It was the best part of the game for me. Caray was an icon in Chicago and his legacy is etched into Cub history with Sandberg, Santo, Williams and Banks.
For the past ten years, the Cubs organization has attempted (poorly, in my opinion) to continue this 7th inning tradition. If I hear the likes of Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, or some other nut job who doesn't have the slightest clue about baseball, and more importantly could not tell you the last time the Cubs won a WS, I may purge myself in front of Wrigley Field. Seriously, it is getting ridiculous.
In my opinion, it is all about the "bottom line." Having some random athlete (who isn't a Cubs fan) make an appearance at Wrigley and sing the stretch to promote their newest fashion label or perfume, is not right and Haray would be crushing his Budweiser against his head if he was still alive.
Here's an idea: How about an honoreree singer, such as Ron Santo? (Hell, I would even allow Vince Vaughn or Bill Murray).
Until then, my TV will be shut off between the top and bottom of the 7th inning.
I always love it when Vince Vaughn comes back every now and then to do a game. He always keeps thing traditional. Ozzy was probably the worst for me. I was embarrassed for him. I do like the 7th inning stretch competition they started.
ReplyDeleteI don't blame you man. As a Sox fan, I can't really comment on whether or not the whole 7th inning stretch thing is good for the Cubs or not. But as a baseball fan, I remember thinking how it was great that the Cubs had Harry's wife sing right after he died. I thought it was a classy way to end a tradition...only it didn't end there.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you though, having someone like Santo take this spot every game would be better than having random clowns like Ozzy Osbourne up there on a daily basis. For what it's worth, I think Santo will have that position permanently some day. When, I have no idea.
I am in the minority of people who don't mind the 7th Inning Stretch. But,I do agree that they should get rid of the random celebrities. If they can bring in some celebrities that are actually Cubs fans and care about the game, then I am all for that. And if not, leave it to Santo.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, I don't know much about the Cubs at all, and yet I know quite a bit about Harry Caray! I went to a Cubs game as a school field trip and the only thing I remember about the game was buying a Harry Caray book and hat.
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