While the anthem was occasionally played at baseball games by military bands in the late 19th century, it wasn’t until the turmoil of World War I that the practice gained significant traction. A pivotal moment came on September 5, 1918, during Game 1 of the World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs.
At the time, the country was in the midst of one of the largest American military offensives of the war, the Meuse-Argonne Campaign, and the somber mood of the war loomed over the event. Adding to the tension, a bombing had occurred in Chicago the day before the game, claiming lives and casting a shadow over the festivities.
During the seventh-inning stretch, a U.S. Navy band began to play “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Red Sox infielder Fred Thomas, who was serving in the Navy and playing in the game on furlough, saluted the American flag. This simple act sparked a chain reaction among other players and fans in attendance. As the anthem concluded, the crowd erupted in applause, transforming the atmosphere into one of unbridled patriotism.
From that moment on, the anthem became a regular feature at sporting events, initially gaining popularity at baseball games. By the time “The Star-Spangled Banner” was officially designated as the national anthem by Congress in 1931, it had already become a beloved prelude to sporting events across the country.
The Spread of the Anthem Tradition
After its debut at the World Series, the tradition of playing the national anthem quickly spread to other sports. The anthem became a fixture at NFL games, and by World War II, improvements in sound systems made it easier to broadcast the anthem at large venues, further cementing its place in American sports culture.
The playing of the anthem before games became a symbol of national pride, especially during times of war or crisis. As author Marc Ferris notes in his book Star-Spangled Banner: The Unlikely Story of America’s National Anthem, the anthem became a part of many public events, including sports, serving as a moment of reflection and unity.
Debates Surrounding the Anthem
Despite its widespread use, the national anthem at sporting events has been the subject of debate for decades. Even as early as the 1950s, there were concerns about the behavior of fans during the anthem, prompting brief bans in some places, such as when the Baltimore Orioles’ general manager tried to halt the practice, only to reverse the decision after public outcry.
In the 1970s, some commentators began to question the appropriateness of playing the anthem at sporting events. Sports radio host Guy Mainella argued that the anthem, which he believed celebrated military conquests, did not belong at games. “It’s a game we’re about to watch, not the Battle of Iwo Jima,” he famously remarked.
More recently, the anthem has become a focal point of political and social discussions, particularly after NFL player Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during the anthem to protest systemic racism and police brutality. This act of protest sparked widespread debate about the role of the anthem at sporting events and whether it should be used as a platform for social issues.
In 2020, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban made the decision to stop playing the anthem at home games in support of the social justice movement. This decision was met with both praise and backlash, with some viewing it as a show of solidarity and others, including Texas politicians, seeing it as disrespectful.
The Anthem’s Future in Sports
The question of whether the national anthem should continue to be played at sporting events remains a topic of discussion. For some, the anthem serves as a tribute to the nation’s military and fallen heroes. For others, it is an expression of American identity and values. However, critics argue that the anthem is unnecessary at games, where the focus should be on entertainment rather than national symbolism.
Longtime sports writer Peter May once asked, “Would any of us feel less patriotic or less supportive of the troops if teams agreed to stop playing the song altogether?” He noted that the anthem is rarely played in other public spaces like theaters or concert halls, yet it has become an entrenched part of the sporting experience.
What Do You Think?
The national anthem holds different meanings for different people, and its place in sports culture is continuously evolving. For some, it represents unity, patriotism, and respect for the country and its military. For others, it has become a platform for social and political expression. The debate over the anthem’s role in sports is likely to continue as society navigates the balance between tradition and progress.
Should “The Star-Spangled Banner” continue to be a fixture at sporting events, or is it time to reconsider its place in these settings? The conversation is ongoing, and opinions will likely remain as diverse as the country itself.
