"TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME" TO BE PRESERVED
Wednesday, April 6th, 2011 -- 10:37 AM
"Take Me Out to the Ball Game," the traditional sing-along anthem that pays homage to a day at the ballpark during seventh-inning stretches across the Major Leagues, received a high honor today. The 1908 tune will be preserved at the Library of Congress, along with 24 other recordings chosen for their cultural significance. "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" was written by vaudeville star Jack Norworth, who was inspired by seeing an advertisement for baseball at the Polo Grounds, home of the New York Giants, while on a subway. The words were set to music by Albert Von Tilzer and the song was originally performed by singer Edward Meeker. Neither Norworth nor Von Tilzer had attended a baseball game, and neither did so for another three decades. Late Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray's rendition of the tune became synonymous with afternoons at Chicago's Wrigley Field, as he would sing parts of the tune and hold his microphone out to fans to sing the others.The Library of Congress called the song the "unofficial national anthem of America's
national pastime."
(more info at mlb.com)
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