The seventh-inning stretch has become quite the tradition at Wrigley Field since Harry Caray brought his act from the Southside Sox to the Northside Cubs. In Harry's absence the Cubs carry the torch and have quest singers perform the song every game. The seventh inning stretch at Wrigley may have its detractors but I feel it's a fitting tribute to a man whose mark on baseball and the city of Chicago is indelible.
The Cubs try to keep the singing roster to ex-players, celebrities and occasionally an accomplished sports team/group from the area. They introduced the "Ultimate 7th-Inning Stretch Competition" in 2007, opening up the field to budding performers ala "American Idol". This was a nice nod to the fans but for me it felt a little like David Letterman's "Stupid Human Tricks".
What would be nice is to see the Cubs allow a common fan with a long history with the team or relevant personal story sing the seventh inning stetch once a year. each year a different fan would be chosen. I feel diehard Cubs fans would appreciate the gesture.
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the genesis of this idea and my own personal motives behind this blog. June 5th, 2009, will mark the 20th anniversary of the "Shawon-O-Meter" - the makeshift placard used in the left filed bleachers to track the batting average of Cubs shortstop Shawon Dunston. The original sign is in the Smithsonian Institution and subsequent versions in the Baseball Hall of Fame and Chicago History Museum. To commemorate the anniversary I thought the seventh inning stretch would be a nice bookend to the sage. I have initiated efforts to that effect and will update this site with any progress.
In 1989 and beyond we used to record the games on VHS tapes and consolidate "Shawon-O-Meter" clips on a master tape. One of these was sent to the Smithsonian when I initially proposed its donation. With the twentieth anniversary looming and for posterity and personal use, I felt it necessary to get with the 21st century, edit and digitize the clips from 1989 and burn onto DVD.
What resulted was a 56-minute time capsule of that magical year, complete with a skinny Barry Bonds and a crescendo of excitement as the Cubs crept towards the playoffs and the doorstep of the World Series. But you know what sticks with me after viewing? It's not the steady climb of Dunston's batting average from .203 to .282 or seeing my mug and those of my friends while holding the sign: it's the amazing power, presence and passion of Harry Caray's voice describing what he's seeing on the field. And then realizing there will never be another like him, and appreciating the statue erected in his honor at Sheffield & Addison.
I'd like to think Harry would approve of letting a common fan sing the seventh inning stretch. He broadcast as a fan first, announcer second, in my opinion. Let a common fan sing!!
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I think it's a great idea and a great way for the club to show appreciation to their fans to let a common fan sing during the 7th inning stretch.
ReplyDeleteDave Cihla is my brother and he has been a Cubbies fan since he was old enough to point! The Shawon-O-Meter was amazing and well known actually around the globe. I was on top of a pyramid in Tikal, Guatamala talking to some people I had just met and they were Cubs fans. I mentioned the Shawon-O-Meter and their little boy went nuts telling me how much he loved it and always looked for the Shawon-O-Meter guy during the games. Since WGN is broadcast all over the world, more and more Cubs fans were born from abroad.
My mother and I went into a bar named "Old Chicago" in Boulder, Colorado just before she passed away and the Cubs game was on. Just as we were looking for a place to sit, Dave was on TV with the Shawon-O-Meter. Our mom couldn't contain herself and she let out, "That's my son"! I was a little embarrassed at first at the outburst but it was followed by a barrage of people coming up and talking about the Shawon-O-Meter.
My brother put a lot into the Shawon-O-Meter for many years and continues to do so along with supporting the Cubs since I was putting diapers on him....did I just give away my age? Anyway, I think It would be fantastic for him to sing this year!
Thanks from his loving big sister...