While Thursday’s Opening Day was memorable for most New York Yankees fans because of the team’s 4-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers, others may leave Yankee Stadium with one not-so-fond memory.
Moments before the first pitch, the Yankees brought out Broadway singer and Tony Award-nominated performer Betsy Wolfe, who most recently starred in “& Juliet,” to sing the national anthem, and what ensued was moment that Wolfe and many fans in attendance would presumably like to forget.
Wolfe’s rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” drew some heavy criticism on social media after fans noticed that she was reading the lyrics from her phone as she was singing.
“Nothing says ‘I love America’ like reading the National Anthem from your phone at a Yankees game. Maybe next time she can Google the Pledge of Allegiance too. #BroadwayFails #NationalAnthemFail” one fan wrote.
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“Wow! How Embarrassing Singing of National Anthem for Opening Day at Yankee Stadium. And she also Needed her Cell Phone to Remember the Words. Really! Is this the Best You Could Get/Afford for Opening Day? @Yankees,” a second commented.
“Betsy Wolfe needs her phone to sing the national anthem? Do better @Yankees #MLB,” a third fan replied.
“The young lady singing the national anthem at the #Yankees game is reading the lyrics off of her phone….YIKES #OpeningDay,” one user quipped.
“It’s disgraceful and embarrassing if you have to [read lyrics off your phone],” declared another user.
“Pathetic, is that the best singer the Yankees could fine. Couldn’t anyone screen her to be sure she was ok with the words? Sad,” remarked one fan.
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“Anybody that has to read the lyrics off their phone shouldn’t be allowed to sing. Especially since it’s the Star Spangled Banner,” proclaimed one person.
New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells (28) hits a solo home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning at Yankee Stadium.Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Though the game started on a bit of a somber note, catcher Austin Wells brought many of the 46,208 fans in attendance to their feet quickly with a leadoff home run.
Shortstop Anthony Volpe followed suit with a second-inning home run to extend New York’s Lead to 2-0, and an Aaron Rudge RBI double plus Cody Bellinger sacrifice fly in the seventh inning added the Yankees’ final two runs.
Carlos Rodon picked up the win, allowing four hits and one run while striking out seven batters over 5 and 1/3 innings. Closer Devin Williams had a shaky ninth inning, allowing two hits and a run before striking out Christian Yelich swinging to end the game.
