Over the top...

[gyb13]

Tribute planned for each team's first night game
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ESPN.com news services

NEW YORK -- To remember the tragic events of Sept. 11, there will be a minute of silence at 9:11 p.m. at every major league team's first night game this season.

In addition, "God Bless America" will continue to be sung during the seventh-inning stretch of all games until further notice.

The patriotic displays and tributes planned by major league baseball include a ceremonial first pitch ball with a stars-and-stripes design and a special logo for the Memorial Day weekend and July 4 holiday.

The season starts Sunday night when the Cleveland Indians play at the Anaheim Angels.

"As the national pastime, major league baseball will continue to embrace the feeling of national pride that arose after the events of Sept. 11," commissioner Bud Selig said. "We are proud to continue to honor America throughout the 2002 season."

[Fritz Buelow]

Bud, MLBPA, cut a check if you want to do something.

Pity the people that have to coordinate the 9:11 PM thing - - - Mr. Clemens, it's 9:10 PM, please do not toe the rubber now. Thank you. Silly.

[LeGrandOrange]

I was just about to lambast that myself.
It happened f---ing 6 1/2 months ago, and by now, there are more people that DON'T wish to remember it. Something our commissioner does not realize.
I thought that Bud Selig was beating a dead horse when he re-requested the faked patriotism with the "God Bless America"s during the 7th inning, he's not really, he's clubbing it very hard.
There's patriotism, and then there's overkill, and Selig seems comfortable with the latter. He's cramming patriotism down our throats and it tastes awful.

[Fritz Buelow]

After what they did to "honor" Jackie Robinson, should we be surprised by this effort? At least the didn't repeat themselves - - no player shall wear # 911. It will be retired in perpetuity.........

Make a donation. Create a patch (they did that in 1942, no?). That's fine.

I feel VERY strongly that people should NEVER forget the events of 9-11. But, I'm not sure a daily reminder is required?

Do something, on 9-11-02, at those games - if you must. I agree with G - way over the top.

[Duque]

The thought is nice, the method is not. It's not going to be long before "God Bless America" loses it meaning, and people become desensitized.

[LeGrandOrange]

I think it already did after...I don't remember the game, but whatever game of the World Series Jessica Simpson sung that at. Like I'm going to believe God Bless America from a girl who is just a wanna be pop star that wasn't even popular.
I understand Fritz's opinion, and that's kind of what I feel, I don't need a daily reminder. (And BTW, I only recently learned where that handle came from. :p)
I have no problem with the flags on jerseys, I might still be okay with that...I wasn't when they did it but they did it during the Gulf War so who am I to argue. It's non-obstructive anyway so that's alright.
I just think that Budrick is being ridiculous here with the 9:11 moment of silence BS. But then again, when has he made sense lately?

[BuzzBuzzard]

Intentions = A+; Execution = D

[SmedIndy]

Originally posted by Duque
The thought is nice, the method is not. It's not going to be long before "God Bless America" loses it meaning, and people become desensitized.

Right. I attend so many events (baseball, basketball, football, hockey, swimming) in working with teams and Colleges the anthem is something to stretch your legs to, not anything that honors anything, really.

This may be the same thing. I think it needs to be reserved for special events.

The wierd thing, though, is when I went to a Major Junior Hockey game in Brampton while I was on a business trip and they sang Oh! Canada (of course) and when the Star Spangled Banner wasn't next I was a little lost !

[Glyndwr]

Originally posted by SmedIndy


Right. I attend so many events (baseball, basketball, football, hockey, swimming) in working with teams and Colleges the anthem is something to stretch your legs to, not anything that honors anything, really.



I could not agree more, as an ex-pat Brit we only get the various anthems at International games. The result is that they still have that 'raise the hairs on the back of your neck' quality as tens of thousands of people are actually belting them out, not mumbling/scratching/whatever....

[Ytown Tribe fan]

Remember in "Eight Men Out", the guy singing the National Anthem before the WS game?

Never happened.

And the umpire usually shouted "Play!" in those days, not "Play ball!"

WWII changed the pre-game habits for everyone.

[KCBOOMER]

Originally posted by Fritz Buelow
Bud, MLBPA, cut a check if you want to do something.

Celebs seem much more willing to donate time for benefits and lip service to the cause than actually dip into their wallets. Thye'd rather see us reach into our wallets.

As for MLB and MLBPA they should be ashamed. They are both NYC organizations and they haven't put up a farthing to help.

[b-ball-lunachik]

I guess I'm in the minority here, but I do think people need to be reminded...yes, life does go on but while our soldiers are risking their lives overseas fighting for us to keep our freedoms every day, I don't mind thinking of them each time I watch a baseball game on my comfy couch. It's easy to get wrapped up in every day things, and if this gets people to stop and think, what's the harm?

[Fritz Buelow]

Originally posted by KCBOOMER
They are both NYC organizations and they haven't put up a farthing to help.

Just the MLBPA now. Bud pretty much runs out of Cheese-town now.

[Fritz Buelow]

Originally posted by b-ball-lunachik
I guess I'm in the minority here, but I do think people need to be reminded...yes, life does go on but while our soldiers are risking their lives overseas fighting for us to keep our freedoms every day, I don't mind thinking of them each time I watch a baseball game on my comfy couch. It's easy to get wrapped up in every day things, and if this gets people to stop and think, what's the harm?

Would not the National Anthem before the game do this 'tho? Meaning be a suitable reminder.

[b-ball-lunachik]

Originally posted by Fritz Buelow


Would not the National Anthem before the game do this 'tho? Meaning be a suitable reminder.

I don't think so because it's been the tradition for so many years...so, they sing God Bless America instead of what subway car will reach the stadium first some other thing...for me, anything is better than Cotton Eyed Joe or whatever...I still don't see the harm...

[Fritz Buelow]

I'm still partial to "take me out to the ballgame."

[TGwynn19]

Originally posted by Fritz Buelow
I'm still partial to "take me out to the ballgame."

Just not at Wrigley. Another great example of what once worked but now is just a hideous daily display.

[SmedIndy]

Originally posted by TGwynn19


Just not at Wrigley. Another great example of what once worked but now is just a hideous daily display.

Yeah, shut 'em up!

I got into huge arguments last year about the McMichael thing with fellow Cubs fans. I knew from my work with a minor league hockey team that anything over the PA is the team's responsibility, and they couldn't have that dork-o inciting a riot.

[b-ball-lunachik]

Originally posted by Fritz Buelow
I'm still partial to "take me out to the ballgame."

I like it too...but it doesn't have to be played during the 7th inning stretch, does it? they can play it any time, no? :)

[pathogan]

When does this senseless jingosim end? I thought the Olympics were over the top, this is baseball showing, what?Oscae Wilde once said something ineresting"Patriotism is the refuge of the viscious." Interesting words to ponder...and yes, i lost friends there in that rubble,some of whom have not been recovered...enough trying to capitalize on peoples emotions.

[Fritz Buelow]

Originally posted by b-ball-lunachik
I like it too...but it doesn't have to be played during the 7th inning stretch, does it? they can play it any time, no?

End of 6 and a half - it is a law. Estbalished by past practice.

[sweaver]

That would be Common Law, I believe. Better ask Lee.

Pat: viscous? Thick and slow to pour?

[hmrsf]

Originally posted by b-ball-lunachik
I guess I'm in the minority here, but I do think people need to be reminded...yes, life does go on but while our soldiers are risking their lives overseas fighting for us to keep our freedoms every day, I don't mind thinking of them each time I watch a baseball game on my comfy couch. It's easy to get wrapped up in every day things, and if this gets people to stop and think, what's the harm?

Why am I not surprised.? I agree with Luna. Remember your first game back after the disaster, I do. Remember hearing the National Anthem?


I remember the my first game after the Gulf War. I swore that i would not forget how it felt to hear the National Anthem again. Well I did until after 9/11. Maybe this time the change will not fade.

[sweaver]

For the last several years, I have taken part in a patriotic concert at a Baptist church. It is a lot of wrapping the flag around the Bible, which makes me bristle, but it also celebrates the armed forces. I do it in honor of my Dad, a navy WW II veteran.

I sing the National Anthem like I mean it at every game I attend, too. If it helps others remember the sacrifices some have made, all the better.

[Glyndwr]

Originally posted by Fritz Buelow


Would not the National Anthem before the game do this 'tho? Meaning be a suitable reminder.

and would you get to see either watching a game on the couch ?The coverage I get starts after the anthem and the 7th inning stretch is a commercial break.

[LeGrandOrange]

Originally posted by hmrsf


Why am I not surprised.? I agree with Luna. Remember your first game back after the disaster, I do. Remember hearing the National Anthem?


I remember the my first game after the Gulf War. I swore that i would not forget how it felt to hear the National Anthem again. Well I did until after 9/11. Maybe this time the change will not fade.

Valid points. I haven't done anything in my life to warrant the National Anthe being more then something I'm forced to sing at the start of baseball games.
I don't particularly care about the events of 9/11, because of my known anti-NYC bias, and because of various other reasons I'd prefer not to say so I won't get chastized for it, but I understand where you're coming from.
The reason we argue against it is because this idea is just...well...corny, if that. I'm not particularly comfortable with it, but I can deal with just a moment of silence before the opening night game or something. REQUIRING IT at 9:11 is...doesn't seem anything besides forced, really.
Then again, what do I know?

[Fritz Buelow]

Originally posted by Glyndwr
and would you get to see either watching a game on the couch ?The coverage I get starts after the anthem and the 7th inning stretch is a commercial break.

I was focusing on the "in attendance" aspect - - interesting 'tho - - you don't see "TMOTTBG" at the break on TV (I know), but, will they stay on now (for every game) so that we'll see "GBA"? No way will they give up commerical time to show that - - so, now we're looking at time added to the game. Little conflict there Mr. Selig.

[Fritz Buelow]

Side thought - will they be singing "God Bless America" in the 7th during the Jays-Expos interleague games?

[pathogan]

Originally posted by Fritz Buelow
Side thought - will they be singing "God Bless America" in the 7th during the Jays-Expos interleague games?

and if not, will some yahoo pick it up as anti- american? See where this stuff leads...hey bud, work on telling the truth and stop going to Anderson for your accounting...