U.S. anthem scores several covers on MLB Opening Day

Francis Scott Key probably never knew he'd become the most covered American artist in history when he set a patriotic hymn based on his prisoner-of-war experiences to a pub song. As it turns out, thousands of Americans will hear different versions of the “Star Spangled Banner” before the umpire shouts “Play ball!” in opening games across the country today. So to satisfy the sports fans in all of us, here is a mostly comprehensive list of the artists performing the national anthem this week:

Atlanta Braves (vs. Pittsburgh — 7:10 p.m.)
Performing the anthem: Former American Idol contestant Diana DeGarmo
Other musical performances: Country band Whiskey Falls will perform their song "Load up the Bases"—written for the Braves 2008 season—before the game at Fan Plaza then “God Bless America” during the 7th inning stretch. Following that performance, country music star Eric Church will lead fans in “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

Baltimore Orioles (vs. Tampa Bay — 3.05 p.m.)
Performing the anthem: Opera Tenor Richard Troxell

Cincinnati Reds (vs. Arizona — 2:10 p.m.)
Performing the anthem: Jazz vocalist and area resident Kathy Wade

Cleveland Indians (vs. Chicago White Sox — 3:05 p.m.)
Performing the anthem: Young contemporary Christian singer-songwriter Ashley Nemeh

Detroit Tigers (vs. Kansas City — 1:05 p.m.)
Performing the anthem: Reigning Miss America and Detroit-area native Kirsten Haglund, who will also sing “God Bless America”

Minnesota Twins (vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim — 6:05 p.m.)
Performing the anthem: The traveling production cast of Jersey Boys

New York Yankees (vs. Toronto — 1:05 p.m.)
Performing the anthem: The United States Military Academy at West Point Cadet Glee Club

Seattle Mariners (vs. Texas — 3:40 p.m.)
Performing the anthem: Marcus Shelton, a tenor with the Seattle Opera

St. Louis Cardinals (vs. Colorado — 3:15 p.m.)
Performing the anthem: University of Missouri's Mini Mizzou Marching Band

Other anthemic performances taking place in later opening games include pop-rock foursome REO Speedwagon for the Kansas City Royals (vs Boston — April 2, 3:10 p.m.) Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Chris Botti for the San Francisco Giants (vs Atlanta – April 6, 1:35 p.m.) and—in a unique twist—professional whistler Steve Herbst will likely perform the national anthem for the New York Mets' opening game (vs. Philadelphia — April 8, 1:10 p.m.).

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