Anyone see this story about Carlos Delgado of Toronto Blue Jays?

[Reverend_Smitty]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A4458-2004Jul21.html

NEW YORK - Fervently anti-war, Carlos Delgado quietly carried out his personal protest this season, refusing to stand when "God Bless America" was played at ballparks across the majors.

Most fans never saw him disappearing up the dugout tunnel or staying on the bench. And even teammates who disagreed with the Toronto slugger's political stance accepted his right to call the United States' invasion of Iraq "the stupidest war ever."

It's brave of him to take such a stance, especially in major league baseball...ALOT of players are major freepers.

[GOPisEvil]

1. I heard about that. Interesting that it isn't a bigger issue.

By the way, can we PLEASE stop with the "God Bless America" as baseball games? Just give me "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" and be done with it. I want a game, not an exercise in faux patriotism.

[tcfrogs]

3. They don't do it everywhere

I know it takes a prominent role at Yankee Stadium. Other than that, I don't think it's played at every park.

[Philostopher]

6. They don't even do it in Cincinnati.

Which is sanctimony central. I'm surprised they're still doing it elsewhere. Must have to do with the management of the ball teams, I guess -- but even Carl Lindner, who owns a majority of the Cincinnati Reds, hasn't been doing this. They do their Reds-altered version of 'Take Me Out To The Ballgame.' Which, interestingly enough, has the wrong lyrics, but that's another can of corn entirely.

[Reverend_Smitty]

8. do they even play Take me out to the Ballgame any more

at Yankee Stadium? I haven't been to a game there since Sept 11th...did they replace it entirely with God Bless America? I don't think they do it at Shea anymore. I guess this is a case of Steinbrenner "proving" he's even a better patriot than anyone else.

[tcfrogs]

11. Don't know about Yankee Stadium

I know they play "Cotton Eyed Joe" at some point during the game.

Obviously, here in Chicago, they ALWAYS play "Take Me Out to the Ball Game", at least at Wrigley.

[tcfrogs]

2. FYI - Story has been going around

sports sites & sports radio talk shows for about a week.

[Reverend_Smitty]

4. I havn't been listening to much sports talk

I can't stand the guys on in NY so I avoid sports talk as much as possible. I listen to AAR during the day. I'm just surprised that nobody around here has been talking about this much.

[tcfrogs]

5. A theory

He plays for the Blue Jays, so it's not noticed as much. He is a great player, but it is Canada, and the Jays aren't that good this year. No offense to Canadians, but most of the MLB focus seems to be on the US teams.

[Reverend_Smitty]

7. I agree

Delgado is one of the best in the league but if say a bench riding Yankee like Enrique Wilson refused to stand, the New York press would be all over him.

[Village Idiot]

10. Delgado is not doing so well -

What's he hitting this year? .210? .215? I would suspect that he will be sitting for more that "God Bless America" if he can't bring his average up!!!!!

[skippysmom]

9. I believe Yankee Stadium is the only one who still plays

God Bless America, as sung by Ronan Tynan, I believe. I have heard that play it because it's long and drawn out and they hope to freeze opposing pitchers.

I'm sure the freepers will be all over him when they hear this. They'll want him in the gulag with Linda Ronstadt and Whoopi.