Mothers and fathers of young children may agree that live sporting events, especially the ones where rabid fans and alcohol are present and plentiful, aren't the most family-friendly venues.
Take, for instance, your first ever trip to Fenway Park. Besides the crack of the bat, the lush green grass, the towering Green Monster and (at least for me) Wade Boggs' thin, high stirrups at the hot corner, a vivid memory of your introduction to the Fens may have likely been that mouthy fan down your row whose choice words for the umpires and opponents weren't exactly what parents wanted their young ones to hear.
Every so often, however, sports fans can leave a lasting impression — a positive one. During a Norfolk Admirals (AHL) hockey game last week, anthem singer Elizabeth Hughes, 8, was in the midst of the "Star-Spangled Banner" when her microphone went out. Despite one cackle from the crowd, the packed house picked up the slack and helped the youngster finish the song (a thankful stick-tap goes to Puck Daddy).
This may spark some memories for those in attendance during a Red Sox contest in early-July of 2007. It was Disabilities Awareness Night at the Park and when the anthem singer got a case of the laughs during his rendition, the Fenway Faithful picked him up and offered the world one of the most heart-warming sports moments of the decade.
But Sox fans aren't the only Bostonians with class. During a 2004 playoff game against the hated Canadiens — just days after Habs fans booed the American national anthem in Montreal, B's fans killed their rivals' fans with kindness.
Another memorable anthem moment on the ice came during the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals between Edmonton and Anaheim. Although this singer didn't mess up (nor did his microphone go out), he allowed the Rexall Place crowd to take over for the majority of "O Canada" as seen below (with a special shout out to the fan at the :57 mark).
We've also seen it happen on the hardwood, where coaches (in this case, Maurice Cheeks) offer their assistance.
And then there's a rendition so foul it makes Butterbean want to punch people.
