A Brief Musing from Yankee Stadium
April 18, 2008 – 9:24 amWhen Bob Sheppard says, “please join Kate Smith as she sings ‘God Bless America’”, should we all…
…kill and bury ourselves, since in order to “join Kate Smith,” we would have to be dead?
…feel bad for Bob Sheppard, because at 97 years old, his dementia causes him to live in a world where Kate Smith is still alive?
…pity the children and ignorant Red Sox fans who ask, “where is she? I don’t see her anywhere?”
…be grateful? After all, at least they’re not playing “Cotton Eye Joe.”
10 Responses
Bob Sheppard, because at 97 years old, his dementia causes him to live in a world where Kate Smith is still alive?
Don’t make fun of a 97-year-old guy recovering from life-threatening illnesses who isn’t even at the stadium right now.
God Bless America sucks, but respect Bob Sheppard.
By Ben K. on Apr 18, 2008
come on. what do you want him to say ‘please join this recording of kate smith…”. bob sheppard is a legend and should not be taken literally.
By J$ on Apr 18, 2008
Sure as hell beats singing “Sweet Caroline”.
By Bullfrog on Apr 18, 2008
Wow this is digging for stuff to bitch about, even for you. But hey it’s Friday and nice as hell out so maybe you’re actually in a good mood. I’ll give you a pass.
By Alex on Apr 18, 2008
Dude, you are such an ass.
Cotton Eye Joe is an AWESOME song. Its right up there with Chumbawumba’s Tubthumpin’. Stop hating.
Oh, and thanks again for the tix!
By amish on Apr 18, 2008
Bob Sheppard 4EVA. Right up there with Don Pardo.
By meaghan on Apr 18, 2008
did you force yourself to do this post since you have that chowdaheadz banner ad up top?
By lozo on Apr 18, 2008
The “God Bless America” playing is making it awfully hard for me to continue being a Yankees fan. I understood it in 2001. 2002 got a pass, being the first full season after 9/11. But when they continued to play that goddamned show tune (A MOTHERFUCKING SHOW TUNE) in 2003, i started getting fed up. Even got in to a heated exchange with someone who asked me to stand - to which I replied “I dont stand for fucking show tunes” and something along the lines of “move on with life”.
But when I heard last year that you weren’t allowed to leave your section during the stretch and that standing was becoming compusory, I pretty much have given up on seeing another game at the Stadium.
Restricted movement and compuslory participation in half-assed patriotic songs - yeah the terrorists have won. Seriously. That and 3000+ lives and trillions of dollars wasted. Good job.
But returning to the singing of “God Bless America” - I really expected better from New York. I came from the mid-west where I was taught how unflappable and iron-willed New Yorkers were. The jingoistic, sad sap memorial-ish, circle-jerk that has been going on during the stretch for the last 7 years has certainly eroded that.
Bring back “Cotton Eye Joe”.
By C Hills on Apr 19, 2008
Oh please of all the things you’re gonna pick on at Yankee Stadium you pick God Bless America?!?! Not YMCA?! Or Day-O!?! I mean it IS followed up by the classic Take Me Out to the Ballgame.
Stand beside her Chris, and guide her!!!
By Irish on Apr 21, 2008
The only place you’re not permitted to move from is the field level seats because those are the fancy people seats that have ushers with ropes. During both the anthem and God Bless America, those ushers do not move their ropes. I’m sure if there were some sort of emergency, they’d let people move.
I think way too much is made of this God Bless America thing. It doesn’t hurt anyone, and every time there is some sort of Navy day, the Navy guys seem to appreciate it, so what’s the harm?
And it’s not Bob Sheppard right now. I forget the dude’s name, but he’s a substitute until Sheppard’s back.
And even though Kate Smith herself is no longer with us, because her music is infinite and eternal, it is grammatically correct to say “please join Kate Smith.”
By Andrea on Apr 22, 2008