What is the 7th Inning Stretch in Baseball? What is the Point?
If any of you have ever seen a baseball game you might have witnessed “Take Me out to the Ballgame” being played on the stadium’s speakers. With that, you may have seen the people in the stadium started to stand and stretch alongside singing this song together.
This usually happens in the seventh inning of the game and lasts for a minute in National League and a minute and a half in American League. A little difference between both the leagues is that the American League plays it at the start of the seventh inning however, National League plays it at the end of the seventh inning.
The Origins of the Seventh Inning Stretch in Baseball:
The practice of stretching in baseball started at the beginning of the baseball game. However, no one knows the particular date of its start. In baseball, the seventh inning stretch in baseball was people had to sit on wooden chairs for more than two hours so this practice was done to refresh them.
This practice became official and standard in the 1920s however before 1920 it was not named the seventh inning stretch. There is a record in 1869 where a similar practice like the seventh inning stretch was practiced. There have been many theories regarding the seventh-inning stretch.
What is the Point of the 7th Inning Stretch at Ball Parks?
There are several reasons why the 7th Inning Stretch is made Let’s take a look at them.
- Firstly, it was made for the ease of baseball fans. Some fans become very serious during the game and when the song “Take me out to the Ball Game” plays it is to make them realize that it is just a game.
- Secondly, you may wonder why is it so important that baseball management has made it standard. What is the point of the 7th Inning Stretch at Ball Parks for the management? It is usually because during this break fans stand up and buy things like snacks within the Ball Park.
Who Wrote “Take Me Out to the Ball Game?”
It was written for the movie “Take me out to the Ball Game”. Who wrote “Take out to the Ball Game?” The writers of the song were Jack Nor worth and Albert Von Tilzer.
It became popular when Harry Cray sang it many times on television. The song also gained attention when they started to call celebrities to sing these songs for them. Fans started to expect Harry Caray to sing that for them.
What are the Other Songs During Baseball Games?
Although “Take me out to the Ball Game” is played during the seventh inning of the game what are the other songs during baseball games? There is a tradition of playing songs before and after the game.
Although “Take me out to the Ball Game” is played during the seventh inning of the game what are the other songs during baseball games? There is a tradition of playing songs before and after the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Baseball still have Seventh Inning Stretch?
It depends on game to game many Major League and Minor League teams tend to follow this trend and offer their fans a Seventh Inning Stretch break.
Does God bless America play at every baseball game?
Not really. Now teams play songs according to their player’s choice. However, now only the New York Yankees play “God Bless America” in their games.
Does every MLB team do the 7th inning stretch?
With the beginning of baseball, this trend was also started since then every Major and Minor league team follows this trend.
The Bottom Line on 7th Inning Stretch
Baseball is a festivity for many and thus baseball management brings different strategies to please baseball fans. Seventh Inning Stretch is one of them it gives relaxation and enjoyment to the people. They have a break to buy food and relax for the time being.
