Taped All-Star Anthem irks Canadians

Yes, the pre-game All-Star celebration was all about America, with tributes to volunteer all-stars from the five living presidents on the big electronic scoreboard, the biggest American flag this side of a used car dealership spreading across the outfield held up by returning members of the U.S. military and an appearance to throw out the ceremonial first pitch by Barack Obama, but surely the folks at MLB could have found someone, anyone, to sing the Canadian National Anthem. Instead it was a taped military-band-sounding, fast-paced, let's-get-this-out-of-the-way un-tribute to America's northern neighbour.

"I wasn't very impressed, to tell you the truth," B.C. native and Twins first-baseman Justin Morneau said. "You'd figure they could find somebody to come and sing the song. They have a hockey team here. The Canadian teams play here. It was something that didn't really go over too well. If they were playing in Toronto and they did that, it would be a big deal."

Fellow B.C.-born All-Star, Jason Bay did not notice it at first, but also wondered about the concept of a canned O Canada at a major sporting event. Baseball usually does manage to line up a singer -- not always good, but a live singer nonetheless..

"I didn't really notice and then someone mentioned it," Bay said. "I wouldn't call it cheesy. It was a decent rendition. But you'd think someone in St. Louis would know the words to O Canada. Morneau and I could have sung it."

    

Comments

[Homer Simpson]

lazy fat americans can't do one thing right.

[CLE ROX]

I'm an American, though not "lazy and fat" as Homer Simpson claims & a Cleveland Indians fan living in Ajax. I too was disappointed in the 100% All-American tribute especially given the fact that there were several Canadian-born players on the AL roster AND two starters were from Toronto. Obviously there are people who sing the Canadian anthem at St. Louis Blues games, so that's not an excuse. Like the World Series, the "host city" is not in charge; MLB is in charge, so the blame lies entirely with Bud Selig and his cronies.

BTW - It's about time Toronto hosted the All-Star game again, eh?

[Richard Griffin]

T-O hosting another all-star game? Now that would be phat. Canadian pop star Nelly Furtado could sing O Canada with hip-hop St. Louis guy Nelly singing the American anthem. By the way, I attended the Nelly concert after the HR Derby. Now there's a recording artist. Shi Davidi (CP) and I stood in front of a huge hanging speaker bigger than Bob McCowan's ego. I was assaulted by the throbbing bass lines to the point where I felt like I was being pounded and having a heart attack. "It's getting hot in here, so take off all your clothes." It's all good. Unless Nelly plays Bar Mitzvahs that was the whitest crowd he has ever performed in front of. Instead of dancing to the beat it looked like guys having seizures. "Must be the munn-ayy."
R-Griff

[Boris Poludo]

Just give me the chance, I will sing Canadian Anthem at any game they will have goose bumps, see for yourself and just imagine how would it sound life:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLhBa6ZLO6A