Bad Luck for Yankees? Blame an Anti-Semitic Tenor
We're not sure if Ronan Tynan actually is anti-semitic, but he did say something pretty off-color, and now it has officially cost the renowned Irish tenor his traditional playoff spot singing "God Bless America" at Yankee Stadium.
According to the New York Daily News, Tynan is out as Yankees mop-up "God Bless" man because of a comment he made when an Upper East Side realtor was showing an NYU doctor an apartment in his building. The report claims that the realtor told Tynan not to worry, since the doctor was not a Red Sox fan.
His response, according to the Daily News?
"I don't care about that, as long as they are not Jewish."
That's pretty unambiguous, huh? But here's an interesting dilemma: What happens if the Yankees lose at home tonight because Tynan, who could be seen as a bit of a playoff good luck charm -- isn't out there? Hey, he is Irish, after all. Would they bring him back for Game 2, worried that keeping him away would spell the end of their postseason? After all, the baseball playoffs are prime time for superstitions.
And who is going to sing "God Bless America" in Tynan's stead? We haven't been able to trip across an official announcement, so if anyone hears confirmation of who will be taking the mic in his stead?
By Cameron Smith |
October 16, 2009; 2:04 PM ET
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Posted by: jca-CrystalCity | October 16, 2009 3:22 PM
The Yankees usually just play the Kate Smith recording during the regular season (and remember, they still play the song every game, not just on Sundays). That's what they will probably do now as well.
Posted by: CoverageisLacking | October 16, 2009 5:20 PM
What an a$$. What's that fat slob Yankee$ fan side of it?
Posted by: dmacman88 | October 16, 2009 5:41 PM
I agree with jca-CrystalCity. The whole "Rudy Guiliani as hero-baseball and Yankees united the city after 9/11-isn't Yankee Stadium wonderfull" hype has been shoved down our throats now for the last eight years. Please preserve it on Video in case poison is swallowed and vomiting has to be induced.
Interestingly enough, in Houston they are content to play the Hank Williams version of "Deep in the Hearts of Texas" during the 7th inning stretch. Much more fair to the opposing pitcher and much,much better a performance
Posted by: jbgordon | October 18, 2009 3:50 PM
Enough with "God Bless America" already, it's not that great a song. Let's just go back to the traditional "Take Me Out To The Ballgame"; it's much more fun.
Posted by: okjoel | October 19, 2009 9:14 AM
Lots of great Jewish Cantors who are tenors, and avid baseball fans. I say, let's show that Tynan what he's up against.
Posted by: ljwaks | October 19, 2009 7:08 PM
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Please just play a Kate Smith record. She's the only one to sing the song right, even if she is identified with the Flyers.
I can't tolerate the NYY spectacle with Tynan. He and the NYY stretch out the break between innings to a point when it freezes opposing pitchers. I'd like to know how often an opponent who got the last out in the bottom of the 6th does not throw his next pitch for a half an hour. Tynan's version is stretched out and maudlin. Glad to see the NYY give it a rest, regardless of the reason why.