Today's featured comment
Today's featured comment comes from Bobby Ballgame, who is one of several posters over the past few minutes who has chimed in that they would like to see a little more decorum from the Orioles players during the National Anthem, especially on Memorial Day:
Bobby's take: I should have written this years ago but about 5 minutes ago I decided that enough is enough --- Memorial Day is a great day for this.
Would someone please get the word to the young Orioles players (and even some of the vets --- B. Rob take note) some important information that they should have learned in school? When the National Anthem is playing, it is time to honor the nation that gives you the privilege of playing a game and making millions of dollars. It is not time to goof around.
So, here are the directions:
1. Place your hand over your heart, with your cap in your hand
2. Look toward the flag
3. Shut up
Pete, I am tired of players yakking it up, with hands and arms all over the place, slouching in whatever direction they feels like slouching. Dave Trembley sets a good example and does everything right. He needs to act like a manager and TELL the players what to do.
These young guys can be real icons (like Cal, Derek Jeter, etc.), but no one will respect them if they keep up this nonsense.
I’m a USNA and Navy veteran. Can you tell?
Pete's take: Well said. I'm the son of two WWII veterans (Yep, mom too) and I agree, though I admit that I have become cavalier in this area myself because we hear the anthem so often at the ballpark. Thanks for the reminder.
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Comments
Pete,
Thanks for putting that up there!!!
I'm a 26 year old veteran and I don't appreciate guys my age who haven't made the sacrifices my friends and I have. Take advantage of the anthem like the Orioles do.
Its a shame Ted Williams (and so many others) can't come back and tell these guys what its like to serve!
Posted by: Denny | May 25, 2009 2:08 PM
Pete,
The announcers are at it again today. In the top of the first they must have said 10 or more times how poorly the Blue Jays are hitting with men in scoring position. Sure enough, Vernon Wells gets a hit to give the Blue Jays a 1 - 0 lead.
Posted by: Joe G | May 25, 2009 2:18 PM
Have I missed it, or has the O's front office announced who is pitching Tuesday night ?
Posted by: TPC | May 25, 2009 2:31 PM
Hear Hear! And yelling "O"n the middle of the anthem has always bugged me too. (If you can't open your mouth to sing the anthem, its insulting to open it to yell the Orioles stupid nickname)
PS You and Recigliano are the best reasons to look at the Sun these days. I can't find his email so could you please pass along the sentiment if you can...to his boss too.
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Pete's reply: Yes, thanks, I'll let Mike know you're in his corner.
Posted by: Paul B Towson | May 25, 2009 2:46 PM
I actually disagree. It's not a religion. I was once somewhat injured by people throwing stuff at me at Yankee Stadium when I didn't take my O's hat off for that awful version of God Bless America they do in the 7th.
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Pete's reply: I think it's different with God Bless America. It's nice if you do, but Bud Selig chose to play that song at the stretch. I think you get to decide what you do. The National Anthem is another story, in my opinion, though you have the right to act in any way you want. That's what those guys fought for.
Posted by: JTC | May 25, 2009 5:52 PM
Yeah! We fought for your freedom, so you better do what we say when we say it!!! (More freedom wasted on the free.)
Everyone loves irony, but no one wants to pay for it any more.
Posted by: Ferg | May 25, 2009 7:46 PM
Thanks Pete! As a Navy vet I agree completely. The anthem takes, what, a minute or so? It's not like we're asking them to stand at attention for an hour. And thanks to your parents and all the other vets who served and especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to insure our freedom!
Posted by: dave taylor | May 25, 2009 9:49 PM