Many hit the diamond at the Pelicans stadium to sing the national anthem.
/ Lisa Edge
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) - The Star Spangled Banner is a song heard before every sporting event. Friday afternoon, dozens of people auditioned for a chance to belt out the national anthem before Pelicans baseball games when their season kicks off next month. It wasn't just an opportunity to be in the spotlight, for some it was also a way to show patriotism.
After each participant signed up, they walked onto the diamond, and performed for the judges. One of those auditioning was Chandler McCune. The fifth grader has professional singing aspirations. McCune said he practiced everyday and "every hour except for when I was in school."
One by one, they each brought their own personal touch to the song.
"Most of them are really good. There's a lot of competition," added McCune.
But it wasn't just voices that conveyed the 1814 lyrics written by Francis Scott Key. James Canty is a professional musician and played his trumpet. "It's God's gift to me and no one can ever take that away from me, and it's a unique presentation of the national anthem."
The meaning behind the words is not lost on those participating.
"I've always been a fan of giving back to the country You know, I've never had an opportunity to be in the military and this is my way of showing appreciation for everybody who's fought and died in wars for me," said Canty.
"I think it's great because it reminds us of our country and that we enjoy the freedom of like take me out to the ball game and just activities of America in a free country," added Wayne Brown, who also auditioned.
It's a tradition fans have come to expect, and when the season starts next month, this group hopes they'll be a part of it.
