Stretch

How did the 7th inning stretch become a tradition with the American Pastime?

The History

William Howard Taft

The 7th Inning

When it comes to baseball, the game is filled with my traditions and superstitions.  Why do we do the things that we do when it comes to the American pastime?  Players don’t step on the white lines and we sing/play the National Anthem before games.  Another one of those quirky traditions is the 7th inning stretch.

The tradition of the seventh-inning stretch in baseball dates back to the late 19th century, and its exact origin is somewhat debated. One popular story attributes it to President William Howard Taft, who was attending a game between the Washington Senators and the Philadelphia Athletics on April 14, 1910. As the story goes, President Taft, who was rather large, stood up to stretch his legs during the seventh inning, prompting the rest of the crowd to do the same. However, there is limited evidence to support this specific event.

The second well-known seventh-inning stretch tale involves Brother Jasper, the first baseball coach at Manhattan College, and a game on a hot day in 1882. Jasper, who also was the Catholic school's Prefect of Discipline, noticed spectators were rambunctious. So, he called a timeout during the seventh inning and instructed fans to stretch their legs. Jasper's seventh-inning respite eventually was adopted by the New York Giants, who played exhibitions against Manhattan College.

Regardless of its exact origin, the seventh-inning stretch has become a beloved tradition in baseball games, providing fans with a chance to stretch their legs, sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," and enjoy a brief interlude before the game continues.

In Major League Baseball, the seventh-inning stretch is often marked by several traditions that vary from ballpark to ballpark, but some common elements include

  • Singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame": This is perhaps the most widespread tradition during the seventh-inning stretch. The song is played over the stadium speakers, and fans often join in singing along. It's become a staple of the baseball experience. "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" is a Tin Pan Alley song written in 1908 by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer. Jack Norworth wrote the lyrics after being inspired by a subway advertisement for a baseball game, even though he had never attended one himself at the time. Albert Von Tilzer composed the music. The song was originally not specifically associated with the seventh-inning stretch tradition but has since become synonymous with it, being sung during the break in many baseball games. It has become one of the most famous and enduring songs in American sports culture.
  • Honoring Military or First Responders: Many teams use the seventh-inning stretch as an opportunity to honor military personnel, veterans, or first responders. This might involve a moment of recognition, a salute, or special ceremonies on the field.
  • Fan Engagement Activities: Some ballparks incorporate fan engagement activities during the seventh-inning stretch, such as on-field contests, dance cams, or other interactive entertainment to keep the crowd energized.
  • Mascot Shenanigans: Mascots often play a role during the seventh-inning stretch, whether it's leading the crowd in cheers, performing skits on the field, or engaging in antics to entertain fans.
  • Special Performances: Occasionally, teams will bring in special guests to perform during the seventh-inning stretch, such as local musicians, celebrities, or community groups.
  • Stretching Exercises: In some ballparks, particularly those with a focus on health and fitness, the seventh-inning stretch might involve a brief period of stretching exercises led by team staff or fitness instructors.

Common examples of activities during the 7th inning stretch

"Take Me Out To The BallGame"

Harry Caray, the legendary baseball broadcaster, played a significant role in popularizing the tradition of singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh-inning stretch. Caray, known for his energetic and enthusiastic broadcasting style, began leading the crowd in singing the song during his tenure as the announcer for the Chicago White Sox in the 1970s. However, it was during his time as the voice of the Chicago Cubs from 1982 until his passing in 1998 that Caray's rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" became an iconic part of the baseball experience.

Caray's passionate and sometimes off-key singing, combined with his signature phrase "Let's get some runs!"endeared him to Cubs fans and helped solidify the tradition of singing the song during the seventh-inning stretch at Wrigley Field. Even after Caray's passing, the Cubs have continued the tradition, inviting celebrities, former players, and other guests to lead the crowd in singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" at each home game.

Like the Chicago Cubs before them, the Boston Red Sox have their own little tradition when it comes to the 7th inning stretch.  It might not have been going on as long, but a tradition nonetheless.  One of the most notable is the singing of "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond. This tradition began in the early 2000s and has become an iconic part of the Fenway Park experience. When the song is played, fans enthusiastically sing along, creating an electric atmosphere in the ballpark.

Additionally, Fenway Park often features special guests who lead the crowd in singing "Sweet Caroline" or participate in other activities during the seventh-inning stretch. These guests can include local celebrities, former Red Sox players, or individuals with ties to the Boston community.

While "Sweet Caroline" is the primary focus of the seventh-inning stretch at Fenway Park, the Red Sox may also incorporate other elements such as fan engagement activities, promotions, or tributes depending on the specific game and occasion.

"Sweet Caroline"

Regardless of how it started or how it is observed, the tradition of the 7th inning stretch lives on.  It is a part of the lure of baseball and it is something that will continue to live on.  You will even see celebrities sing “God Bless America” during the 7th inning of the World Series.  Baseball is full of traditions and this is just one of those.