White Sox
The first time we were asked to do the National Anthem at good ol' Comiskey (or US Cellular Field in this day and age), I couldn't be more proud. Having grown up on the South Side of Chicago, and an avid Sox fan, it was a glorious moment for me to see the guys take the field. That feeling just doesn't wear off, and as the guys were performing sound check yesterday while the grounds crew prepared the field for game 2 of a double header, I couldn’t help but feel pretty lucky standing behind home plate. The stands empty, the quiet before the game. The White Sox always make us feel at home when we visit, and although we are a mix of both Cubs fans and Sox fans, everyone had a great time. After the three song acoustic set, the guys took the field for what would be their fifth rendition of the National Anthem at the Cell. And from what all the Sox staff said, it may not only have been the best Anthem on the year, but the best that they could remember. In fact, Sox skipper Ozzie Guillen himself stopped our friend Amy with the Sox after the game, and told her that it was a great anthem. Kudos from Ozzie are a good thing. In addition to putting us in a great suite for the game, we also had a chance to check out the brains of the scoreboard – a massive room filled with a multitude of screens and computers keeping us up to date with game stats, video clips, 3 way pizza races, face stretching, kiss-cam shots, and more visual stimulation. We also had a chance to visit the broadcast booth to say hi to Sox PA announcer Gene Honda, and throw out balls to the crowd during the 7th inning stretch. What more could a Sox fan ask for? Special thanks to Amy and Brian from the Sox for showing us such a great time!
- Vince Iwinski
Joel opens his mouth in hopes of catching an errant toss by a hot dog vendor
Brendan expresses relief that he remembered to shave
Just like Vince, I too have been a die hard White Sox fan as long as I can remember. Singing the National Anthem anywhere is an honor but at the home of the White Sox is a dream come true. Stepping on to the field that is so finely groomed by the "Sodfather" Roger Bossard always sends chills down my spine. It was so great of the White Sox to accommodate our fans by seating them all together in the same section. It makes me so proud to be a fan of a team that supports local musicians like ourselves. GO WHITE SOX!!!
-Andy Farag
A youthful Andy takes a moment to marvel at the mascots epic tube sox (circa '83?)
A more mature Andy takes a tour of the production booth
Hey, this guy is wearing Andy's jersey
Joel wonders what has become of America's youth
Brendan lovingly mocks Vince's dancing moves as the team performed a mini set and the National Anthem on Monday (note the horrific audio slap back during the anthem - praise the Lord for in-ear monitors)