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Blind, autistic teenager brings the house down with stirring national anthem performance

Apr 13, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; An overall view of the opening ceremonies for the Boston Red Sox home opener against the Washington Nationals at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; An overall view of the opening ceremonies for the Boston Red Sox home opener against the Washington Nationals at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The national anthem at Monday’s Red Sox game was something special.


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Well this is certainly a nice way to kick off the news day. Last night’s game at Fenway Park between the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians got off with a bang thanks to 14-year-old Christopher Duffley.

Duffley, who is both blind and autistic, trotted out to the field and absolutely belted a wonderfully stirring rendition of the national anthem. This was one of those performances where it’s tough not to get goosebumps and well up a little.

The young man, grasped the microphone, gave a quick mic check like a pro’s pro, pumped up the crowd a bit (again, veteran move) and then let his pipes do the work. Duffley’s voice even had a gritty, Springsteen-like quality when reaching the tune’s crescendo.

According to the team’s website, Duffley was a part of Autism Speaks Night at the park. This isn’t the first time he’s sang at Fenway  – he swings by in the odd years, 2011 and 2013.

Unfortunately for fans, the Sox would be blown out, 8-2. But at least they got quite the show in the pregame.

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