...than the 'flag-wavers' are aware of, apparently.
I kept thinking that this had happened before (with the bluejays) but I couldn't place it. Thank baby Jesus for google.
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/standing_up_for_not_standing_up_during_the_national_anthem/s1_13132_21667963
And...gasp...Carlos Delgado!!!
In 2004, Toronto Blue Jays slugger Carlos Delgado discussed his practice of not coming onto the field during the playing of "God Bless America" during the 7th inning stretch. The song became a tradition after the events of 9/11 but had since been ended at several MLB stadiums with some teams only playing it on weekends and holidays. Delgado, who was strongly against war, including the ones that were currently being waged in Iraq and Afghanistan, felt the playing of the song was a political stand in itself that went against his beliefs. When Delgado was dealt to the New York Mets prior to the 2006 season, he promised to stand with his teammates during the song (the Mets had a policy for all players to do so) and not put himself over the team. Delgado was never punished for his stance.
Of course, the song's inclusion in baseball has also been quite controversial. It isn't the national anthem, though MLB acts like it is when they require players, personnel and fans to stand and take their caps off for its performance. There is also the religious aspect of the song that can make some people feel uneasy. In 2008, a Red Sox fan was ejected from a game at Yankee Stadium when he attempted to leave a bathroom during the song (a lawsuit was filed by the fan, a settlement was reached and the Yankees changed their policy to allow movement during the song).
Today, only the Yankees and Braves still play the song during the 7th inning stretch of every home game.
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