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Martha Reeves' Off-Key Anthem Goes Viral, Mo'ne Davis Debuts

8/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Martha Reeves sang the national anthem at the Women’s Professional Baseball League’s inaugural game on 1 August 2026, drawing criticism.
She blamed wet, windy conditions and the lack of stage monitors for not hearing herself.
The off-key rendition with two backup singers made spectators smile and a video posted by journalist Kendall Baker amassed over 17 million views.
Mo’ne Davis pitches for the Los Angeles Queens in the WPBL’s first season.

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Story summary

Martha Reeves sang the national anthem at the Women’s Professional Baseball League’s inaugural game on 1 August 2026, drawing criticism.
She blamed wet, windy conditions and the lack of stage monitors for not hearing herself.
The off-key rendition with two backup singers made spectators smile and a video posted by journalist Kendall Baker amassed over 17 million views.
Mo’ne Davis pitches for the Los Angeles Queens in the WPBL’s first season.