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10 best MLB Opening Day rituals and traditions ranked

By Tim Boyle

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 08: Members of the Chicago White Sox and the Kansas City Royals stand during the National Anthem before the Opening Day home game at Guaranteed Rate Field on April 08, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 08: Members of the Chicago White Sox and the Kansas City Royals stand during the National Anthem before the Opening Day home game at Guaranteed Rate Field on April 08, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia Phillies Opening Day High Hopes
PHILADELPHIA , PA – AUGUST 17: The Late Broadcaster Harry Kalas of the Philadelphia Phillies video is shown on the scoreboard as he sings High Hopes following a 9-2 win against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park on August 17, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by L Redkoles/Getty Images) /

9) MLB Opening Day rituals: Phillies fans leaving Citizen’s Bank Ballpark signing ‘High Hopes’

A little less mainstream than the traditional song you will hear at every Red Sox game is the one you may hear playing at the end of a Philadelphia Phillies game. When leaving Citizen’s Bank Ballpark, the iconic Harry Kalas can be heard singing Frank Sinatra’s ‘High Hopes’ over the loudspeaker. A trademark during the life of the Hall of Fame broadcaster, the Phillies continue to make it a part of the experience.

Even years after his passing, Kalas remains close to the hearts of Phillies fans. Getting to hear his legendary voice following a Phillies win makes it all that much sweeter. Following a long and far too often underwhelming offseason in Philadelphia, it’s good to get back to hearing Harry the K sing again.

What makes this an important tradition in Philadelphia is who it comes from but also what it represents. Kalas called Phillies games for decades. He was there for both the 1980 championship and the one in 2008. The song itself, a tune of optimism, is a bit of a contrast to the typical Philadelphia sports fans’ mentality.

With a lineup featuring some new sluggers this season, there are plenty of high hopes. Does this MLB Opening Day end with fans singing along or angrily shuffling their feet to the SEPTA train?

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