[Illusion]

What are your thoughts about teams who play God Bless America during the 7th inning stretch instead of Take Me Out to the Ballgame?

[Willie Bee]

Don't like it, never really did.

I go to ballgames to get away from the real world. It was ok at best for the remainder of the 2001 season when everyone was smarting from Sept 11th. Each team should pick their own 7th-inning celebration, but I just think it should be something more regional and light instead of God Bless America. Every half-inning at a baseball stadium is a dadgum commercial played at about 94 dB. Give the fans a chance to hoot 'n holler and get into a more festive mood for the final three innings.

Do they play this in Toronto? I know Houston only does it now on Sunday's, which I heard someone say it's just a way for Drayton to stick in a prayer at Sunday home games. But surely they don't sing this in Toronto, do they?

[Mudcat]

Do they play this in Toronto?

I'm honestly not sure. I just had a quick look at the Blue Jays game but they're already in the bottom of the 7th.

They did at first - after 9/11. As much as Canadians were hurting from the terrorist attacks, the God Bless America concept was not well received.

Many fans didn't like it. Carlos Delgado protested it too.

Anyway my answer is I'm not sure if it is being played up here now. I doubt it. I'm trying to think of how to confirm that.


And my answer to the topic question of how I feel about it in general is I wouldn't want them to play it at Skydome. I have a couple reasons. Nothing against America - I love America - but I just find it totally inappropriate.

[Illusion]

I only brought this question up because while watching the Oak/NYY game I noticed they were still doing it. I know New York took the biggest blow during 9/11 but I really think they are beating a dead horse. I know it's sad what happened that day and it still pisses me off, but play take me out to the ballgame and let the fans have some fun.

[onlooker]

They should just play it at Yankee Stadium and Shea. New York was the hardest hit, and if they want to play God Bless America, then that is where they should play it.

Then again its just a song, and what does it hurt? If your at the game, your more and likely not paying attention. If your watching on tv, its on a commerical if they dont stay for the playing of it.

[Illusion]

If your watching on tv, its on a commerical if they dont stay for the playing of it.

The YES network did stay for the playing of it, so I just turned the channel.

[isetcap]

And my answer to the topic question of how I feel about it in general is I wouldn't want them to play it at Skydome. I have a couple reasons. Nothing against America - I love America - but I just find it totally inappropriate.

I love America too, but one of the primary reasons is because America is wonderful with or without the blessing of "God". In fact, I would venture to say that America is better off without the blessing of "God" so I would suggest they stop playing the song.

[Knoxy]

It kind of makes me roll my eyes, I dunno. Then again, at least the Yankees didn't switch to red and white pinstripes and have stars covering their caps.

[scottyy11]

kinda makes me feel like mass brain washing going on at times..................should be upto the fans who buy the tickets i guess

[Dark Horse]

Fascists like to overplay the patriot card, but to real patriots less is better. Save the tune for the meaningful occassions. There's a reason everyone ignores car alarms.

[bigboydan]

i'm not against them playing it at all. however what i am against is the game lasts long enough, and it takes an extra 5 minutes before the top of the 8th to start because of it.

baseball needs to find a way to shorten up these games somehow.