National anthem tryouts for Red Sox spring training games underway

Reporter: Kristi Gross
Published: Updated:

FORT MYERS, Fla.- More than 50 people are auditioning to sing the national anthem at Fenway South for the upcoming Boston Red Sox spring training season.

One by one, musical hopefuls entered the dugout access at Gate B and stepped foot on the field at Jet Blue Park to belt out the Star-Spangled Banner.

“I was practicing in front of my friends and family members. I just kept practicing every single day and making sure that I got the words right and everything,” said Kathy Camacho.

A dozen spots are open for singers and musicians of all ages hoping to perform the song for one of Major League Baseball’s oldest teams.

“It means a lot, not even for the fans, but a lot for the players because they come out here every day and they kind of realize who they’re playing for,” said Boston Red Sox intern Savanna Wood. “I think a good national anthem singer kind of sets the tone for the whole game, you know. Everybody wants to come out here and be moved by the anthem. It’s the beginning of the game.”

Nearly 70 people registered to audition and even more submitted tapes online, but the judges say they’re searching for just the right pitch.

“We’re looking for everything: voice, appearance, talent, a little bit of everything. Kind of the whole package,” said Boston Red Sox intern Lucy Robinson. “You have to get that right mix of what’s going to, I guess please the fans and sound great on the speakers.”

In the end, only 17 people will get to perform for the 17 home spring training games.

“Man, not everyone gets the chance to do that,” said singer Sylee Gibson. “Not everybody gets the chance to stand on that field with that microphone and sing and be able to sing the national anthem.”

Auditions will resume Wednesday evening and Red Sox officials says the performers will be named by the end of January.

The season begins Feb. 29, at 1:05 p.m. with a single admission double header against the Boston College Eagles and the Northeastern University Huskies.

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