The National Anthem and sports...
Before I tell you where and when the marriage of playing our National Anthem and sports began, I will submit Whitney Houston's version of the hardest song to sing but the greatest song ever written, as the best version I've ever heard. It was performed at Super Bowl XXV in Tampa (FL) in January, 1991 during the Gulf War. You might remember that the Giants won the game 20-19 as Scott Norwood would carry around an anvil that was inscribed "wide right" for the rest of his days. The worst version I ever heard ? That's easy. Google "Roseanne Barr singing National Anthem" and you'll get 9,600 items about her July, 1990 version of what has been referred to as the "Star-Mangled Banner"...
But where and when did the playing of the National Anthem at sports events start ? According to the New York Times ("This Day In Sports") the anthem was sung for the 1st time on this date: September 5th, 1918 in Chicago at Comiskey Park. That year the season ended early because of World War I. The World Series was moved up 4 weeks and the playing of the National Anthem took place during the 7th inning stretch of Game One between the Red Sox and White Sox, won by Boston 1-0 on a 6-hit shutout by Babe Ruth. The Red Sox would win that World Series and not win again until 2004 or 86 years later, but who's counting ???
There are some that would argue that the Star-Spangled Banner was performed as early as 1897 on opening day ceremonies in Philadelphia and regularly at the Polo Grounds in New York beginning in 1898. Unfortunately there's no record of that and I've had a tough time finding anyone 109 who knows for sure. If I find that person I'll let you know...
Ten Timeline Memories...
- [1906] Bradbury Robinson of St. Louis University throws a pass to teammate Jack Schneider. The "projectile pass" as it was known back then was the 1st documented forward pass in football history. St. Louis beats Carroll 22-0...
- [1930] Charles Creighton and James Hargris drive from New York City to Los Angeles backwards in reverse gear. The trip takes 42 days in their 1929 Model A Ford. One question: Why ?...
- [1960] 18-year old Cassius Clay of Louisville (KY) wins a unanimous decision over 3-time European light-heavyweight champ Zbigniew Piertrzytkowski (this guy needs to buy some more vowels) to win the gold medal in the light-heavyweight division. Seven weeks later he debuts (and wins) in his 1st professional fight against the police chief of Fayetteville WV), Tunney Hunsaker...
- [1966] Jerry Lewis hosts his 1st MDA Labor Day Telethon (the telethon started out locally in New York in 1955 with another host). Lewis who looked great (switching faces with Tony Orlando) just raised a record $61 million over the weekend...
- [1972] Arab terrorists kill 11 members of the Israeli Olympic team, 5 guerrillas and a police officer are also killed in Munich in the darkest day in Olympic history (events are suspended late in the day but resume 34 hours later)...
- [1975] President Gerald Ford escapes an attempt on his life in Sacramento (CA) by Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, a follower of Charles Manson...
- [1987] Dick Clark hosted "American Bandstand" is cancelled after 30 years...
- [1989] Chris Evert retires from professional tennis after a brilliant 19-year career...
- [1992] Prince signs a $100 million contract with Warner Brothers, making him the highest-paid pop artist in the country...
- [2002] The NFL kicks off their season with a concert prior to their Thursday Night game featuring The Giants and 49ers. The show features Eve, Alicia Keys, Bon Jovi, Enrique Iglesias and 'N Sync's Joey Fatone (I remember watching them rehearse from the 40th floor of the Viacom Building overlooking Times Square) The NFL will kick off this season with the SB champion Steelers and Miami Dolphins on the new NBC package on thursday night...
Published on this date: 1958] "Doctor Zhivago"...
Released on this date: 1964] "Do Wah Diddy Diddy" - Manfred Mann...1965] "Get Off My Cloud" - Rolling Stones...
[To ensure accuracy of dates and content, multiple reference sources are used in the timeline]...
Commentary...
We'll start with a happy occasion - the birthday of Gordon Brown who turns a youthful 67 today. I've known Gordy since 1966 when he was a tech at WRKO. Gordy started at WNAC at the turn of the century (just kidding Gordy). Happy Birthday...
It was great to hear from Claude Hall who ran the radio column at Billboard for many years. Claude has discovered this blog. Welcome aboard Claude. I hope you enjoy it...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday"...
Michael Keaton (Michael's given name is: Michael Douglas)...(55), Drummer Buddy Miles (60), Al Stewart (61), Raquel Welch (66), The Kingston Trio's John Stewart (67), William Devane (67), Yankee killer Bill Mazeroski (70), Bob Newhart (77) and Jack Valenti (85)...
"Happy Trails"...1877] Sioux chief Crazy Horse who was killed by the bayonet of a U.S. soldier. The chief allegedly resisted confinement to a jail cell...
Crikey! "Happy Trails" to TV's "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin, the quirky Aussie naturalist was killed by a poisonous stingray barb that pierced his heart. Irwin who leaves behind a wife and 2 children was just 44...
And "Happy Trails" to Two-time Olympic decathlon champion and former U.S. Congressman, also died over the weekend, of cancer at 75...
Timeline Countdown: 2 days until NFL kickoff, 29 days until MLB playoffs and 117 days left in 2006. The Mets Magic Number: 11...
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