During the 7th inning stretch, Pearl Jam front man and die-hard Chicago Cubs fan continued his tradition of singing baseball staple "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" to lift the spirits of fans spanning Wrigley Field.
Aside from the pleasant surprise and nearly annual tradition of Vedder growling notes across the stadium, Wrigley Field saw the awaited debut of New York Mets pitcher Noah Sydergaard as well as the appearance of the Cubs' very own 23-year-old Kris Bryant.
"Today I got to tell my family that my dream is coming true. Can't really put into words what that feels like. So excited for this journey!" Bryant expressed via his personal Twitter account.
Today I got to tell my family that my dream is coming true. Can't really put into words what that feels like. So excited for this journey!
— Kris Bryant (@KrisBryant_23) April 17, 2015
Vedder was dressed fashionably, his outfit complete with a #14 button adorning his blazer as homage to the renowned "Mr. Sunshine," Ernie Banks. After Vedder's rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" came to a close, he tossed a Cubs cap into the crowd ahead, notes Rolling Stone. As an Evanston, Ill. native, Vedder spent his younger years around the suburbs, eventually moving westward. The "Even Flow," singer pays a tribute to his roots and his team by stopping by Wrigley Field for what's becoming an annual appearance to perform during the 7th inning stretch.
Cubs announcer Harry Caray led the crowd in the singing of the baseball anthem for nearly two decades until his passing prior to the 1998 baseball season. Guest performers began to step onto the field to execute renditions of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," with Vedder as one of the first participants to pay tribute to Caray in 1998, as demonstrated with the #14 badge.
Vedder's performances span from solo renditions from the press box in 2007, sporting a Kerry Wood jersey as well as joint enactments with his niece in 2014.
