5 best MLB fan traditions

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 22: Mariano Rivera #42 of the New York Yankees poses next to his retired number in Monument Park before the game against the San Francisco Giants during interleague play on September 22, 2013 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JUNE 11: Actor Bill Murray sings “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the seventh inning of a game between the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field on June 11, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images) /

2. Singing Take Me Out to the Ballgame at Wrigley Field

With all due respect to Red Sox Nation, “Sweet Caroline” isn’t the top song on the list of outstanding baseball traditions. That honor has to go to Cubs fans who shout out the lyrics of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the 7th-inning stretch of every home game at Wrigley Field.

The tradition really began with the late Harry Caray serenading fans from his spot in the radio booth. Now the honor of singing the iconic song goes to a variety of celebrities as the season chugs along. Musical talent isn’t required from the A-list vocalists. Some history of historic Cubs support is a big plus though.

The best celebrity singers remember to hang their microphone out the window of the booth to soak in some crowd noise just as Caray did back in his prime. Something about giving the fans a line or two on their own also does wonders to conjure up memories of the old days in Chi-Town.

The biggest challenge with this tradition is making sure fans aren’t all overserved by the time the 7th-inning stretch rolls around. That’s a distinct possibility given all of the quality bars surrounding Wrigley these days. The chance to sing this iconic tune is worth hanging on for.

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