The Rise Of The Anthem Standoff & How Truly Ridiculous It Is

Baseball is a sport steeped in tradition, from the seventh-inning stretch to the ceremonial first pitch. Yet, among the plethora of time-honored practices, one stands out for its sheer absurdity and humorous defiance: the anthem standoff. This peculiar tradition, where players from opposing teams refuse to be the first to leave the field after the national anthem, has become a beloved spectacle. But where did it all begin? And why do so many teams indulge in this ludicrous showdown? Let’s take a hilariously detailed journey through the history and notable instances of anthem standoffs in baseball.

The origins of the anthem standoff are shrouded in mystery, much like the exact recipe for the perfect ballpark hot dog. While there isn’t a definitive answer to when and where the first anthem standoff occurred, the practice gained prominence in the early 2000s. One of the earliest recorded instances was a minor league game in 2003, involving players from the New Haven Ravens and the Binghamton Mets. The players stood their ground post-anthem, much to the amusement of fans and confusion of umpires. The standoff lasted several minutes, setting the stage for what would become a quirky tradition in the sport.

At its core, the anthem standoff is a battle of wills, a test of endurance, and a showcase of playful competitiveness. It’s a way for players to engage in light-hearted rivalry and entertain the crowd. The standoff symbolizes a team’s determination to outlast the opposition, even if it means standing perfectly still for an extended period. Plus, it’s a harmless bit of fun that adds an element of unpredictability to the pre-game proceedings.

Let’s explore some of the most memorable anthem standoffs that have graced baseball fields, each with its unique blend of humor and competitive spirit and sourced from MLB.com.

1. 2014: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

   • During the regular season, the Brewers’ Carlos Gomez and the Pirates’ Travis Snider engaged in a standoff that saw both players rooted to their spots for over six minutes. The crowd roared as teammates tried (and failed) to coax them off the field.

2. 2015: Kansas City Royals vs. Oakland Athletics

   • The Royals’ Jarrod Dyson and the A’s Brett Lawrie took the standoff to new heights with their exaggerated salutes and stoic poses. The standoff ended when Dyson’s teammate Salvador Perez hilariously tackled him, bringing the fun to a close.

3. 2016: San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

   • In a standoff between two of baseball’s oldest rivals, the Giants’ Hunter Pence and the Dodgers’ Yasiel Puig stood firm. The duel ended when Pence broke into a spontaneous dance, much to Puig’s amusement and the crowd’s cheer.

4. 2017: Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals

   • The Cubs’ Anthony Rizzo and the Nationals’ Bryce Harper took the standoff to a theatrical level, with Rizzo mimicking a statue and Harper pretending to adjust his invisible tie. The antics ended in a draw, but the fans were the real winners.

5. 2018: Colorado Rockies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

   • The Rockies’ Charlie Blackmon and the D-backs’ Paul Goldschmidt stood their ground in a memorable standoff. The spectacle ended when the grounds crew started setting up around them, drawing laughter from the crowd.

6. 2019: New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies

   • The Mets’ Pete Alonso and the Phillies’ Rhys Hoskins engaged in a standoff that saw both players showing off their best game faces. The standoff ended when Alonso’s hat flew off in the wind, causing both players to break character and laugh.

7. 2020: Minnesota Twins vs. Cleveland Indians

   • The Twins’ Miguel Sano and the Indians’ Francisco Lindor stood firm in a socially-distanced standoff. The pandemic protocols added a unique twist, with both players eventually giving a respectful nod to end the standoff.

8. 2021: Los Angeles Angels vs. Seattle Mariners

   • The Angels’ Shohei Ohtani and the Mariners’ Kyle Seager stood their ground in an international showdown. The standoff ended when Seager’s son, watching from the stands, started cheering for his dad, causing both players to break into smiles.

The Yankees-Reds Anthem Standoff: July 4, 2024

Just as it seemed the standoff might continue indefinitely, Yankees manager Aaron Boone ordered his players to take their positions. Boone’s intervention was met with a chorus of boos from the crowd, who were thoroughly enjoying the playful rivalry. The fans’ disappointment was clear, with one spectator overheard saying, “Way to go, Boone, you just ruined a perfectly good standoff.”

This standoff has already become part of baseball lore, highlighting the sport’s lighter side and the spirit of friendly competition. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable moments in baseball aren’t about the game itself but about the unexpected, lighthearted events that bring fans and players closer together.

Despite occasional interruptions by overzealous managers, the anthem standoff remains a beloved tradition in baseball. It’s a harmless way for players to engage in friendly rivalry, entertain fans, and add a touch of whimsy to the game. The standoff has become a symbol of the sport’s lighter side, a reminder that, at its heart, baseball is about fun and camaraderie.

The anthem standoff is one of baseball’s most amusing traditions, blending competitive spirit with playful antics. From its mysterious beginnings to its memorable showdowns, the standoff has carved out a unique niche in the sport’s history. And while some managers might not appreciate the spectacle (we’re looking at you, Aaron Boone), fans and players alike will continue to revel in the absurdity of the anthem standoff. So next time you’re at a game, keep an eye out for those steadfast players refusing to budge, and join in the fun of baseball’s silliest tradition.

–Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor