Key had a father who fought in George Washington’s Continental Army, but an uncle who was a British loyalist. Key was deeply religious and had considered a career as a minister instead of a lawyer. Key and his wife Mary (aka. Polly) had 11 kids. Key inherited a family plantation as well as slaves. He…
Category: Baseball
Spangled Mythconception #5: The Banner as Baseball Ritual Begins with Babe Ruth & the 1918 World Series
Myth #5: The “The Star-Spangled Banner” as baseball’s game day ritual begins with Babe Ruth and the 1918 World SeriesCorrection: The earliest documented performance of Key’s Banner in pro sports was on opening day at a baseball game in 1862, but the ritual of playing the song at every game developed gradually and was dependent…