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.

Denise Richards, 7th inning stretch at Wrigley

May 1, 2009

Denise Richards was at Wrigley today fulfilling a fantasy…though not necessarily hers…and probably more than one. Richards, a Chicago native, was at the Park with her father and sister taking in the game as a wrap up to her reality show, which I didn’t know existed. She got to sing the 7th inning stretch, which requires - for the lucky and the brave - a stop in the booth with Pat & Ron. It was a long inning and it was fun to listen to since Pat & Ron were on their best behavior. Though you know Ronnie. And Pat got to actually do a proper interview which is his gratification.

Richards didn’t try to talk over them and actually listened like a true fan. Pat asked about the camera crew filming her every move and one or the other asked if they were going to be in her show. She said yes - that’s the point - if they were willing to sign a release. Her season ender or finale or whatever reality shows are called. She sounded excited about it as well as the view.

In case you non-Cubfans are wondering - she does not sit between them like the TV booth. She sits up behind them behind the crampness of the booth - so they can’t even see her unless they turn completely around or Matt has a mirror rigged somewhere.

And then she got her money shot and money call courtesy of SS Ryan Theriot, who decided to hit his first career grand slam, giving the Cubs a lead, which was never relinquished. Ron did his usual screaming and Pat did his usual call - it went about 2 rows up just to the right of the indentation in left field. And in the background was Richards. I’ll admit I was screaming as welll so I didn’t hear it all but it was a classic moment in the booth.

She couldn’t have asked for a better half inning - nor Pat & Ron for at least two reasons.

And then she went over to the TV booth and wasn’t so hot with Take Me Out To The Ballgame, which really didn’t matter because she was enjoying herself and the fans appreciated it. So what she had to look at the words. They are provided for everyone — even mumblin Ozzie and one breath Ditka - and a lot folks end up needing to look. Her main problem was that her mic seem turned up so her voice really stood out. Nobody in the TV booth cared. It is finny to watch what happens to them when an attractive woman visits in the booth. I don’t think Andy Masur has ever gotten over Shania Twain.

Lemme hear ya now…a 1, a 2, a 3…