Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Play Ball! It’s opening day for major league baseball today. Since the last game of last year’s World Series, baseball fans have been looking forward to the season starter. Hall of Fame pitcher Early Wynn said about opening day, “An opener is not like any other game. There’s that little extra excitement, a faster beating of the heart. You have that anxiety to get off to a good start, for yourself and for the team. You know that when you win the first one, you can’t lose ‘em all.”

Major league teams play 162 games each season so the significance of a win or loss on opening day is minor. Perhaps opening day is more significant as a signal that Spring is upon us and Summer is right around the corner.

But, Opening Day also brings back memories of Harry Caray and Wrigley Field. Harry was a legendary announcer for the Cardinals, the White Sox and most famously, with the Chicago Cubs. His 7th inning stretch rendition of “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” was an experience to behold, and after he passed away, the Cubs invited celebrities to continue the tradition of leading the crowd singing the song Harry Caray-style. Harry claimed, “I would always sing it (“Take Me Out To The Ball Game”), because I think it’s the only song I knew the words to!”

ENJOY THIS VIDEO and as Harry used to say, “It’s a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball.”