Denise Richards sang in honor of her mother

May 6, 2009

I really don’t understand the fuss about Denise Richards’ singing the 7th inning stretch at Wrigley last week. So she didn’t sing the greatest. Big deal. She wasn’t there to sing. Well she was, but she wasn’t there as a singer. They are called “guest conductors” for a reason - most of them can’t sing - even some of the folks who sing for a living. Peter Cetera didn’t sound so hot the next day. That’s not the point. The point is they have the courage to get up there and how much enthusiasm they show while they’re doing it. And on that she was 2 for 2.

I read a post by some guy who said it’s time to stop the tradition. He clearly doesn’t go to Wrigley nor can he be a fan. It’s part of the Wrigley tradition. Not only does it harken back to Harry Carey, it harkens back to Jeff Gordon and Ozzie and Mike Ditka and I suppose, now Denise Richards. It’s a time to stand up and sing with the rest of the crowd…just in case there’s no singing at the end of the game.

It’s not meant as a singing competition. Ron Santo is not blessed with a singing voice but there’s no one who gets a louder ovation. It’s the enthusiasm and it’s that moment of suspense before they sing: a 1, a 2, a 3…when you wonder are they going to sink or swim.

Leave her alone. She was in Chicago for a fundraiser for the Kidney Cancer Association in memory of her mother, who died from it last year. While there, she asked the Cubs folks in attendance if she could set up an information booth at Wrigley - they said yes, would you sing? And she did - in memory of her mother.

And what did she get for it? An internet bashing.

She was there for a good cause. She was there to remember and honor her mother. She had her reality film crew following her. And as someone who grew up a Cubfan, she got to sit in the booth with Pat & Ron and get a glimpse of the great view. They enjoyed her and she them. And while she was there, Ryan Theriot got a grand slam and she was treated to Pat’s call and Ronnie’s scream - something most every Cubfan would sing for.