What's the history behind the seventh-inning stretch, and how did it become a beloved tradition in baseball?

The history of the seventh-inning stretch dates back to the 19th century and has become a beloved tradition in baseball, ingrained in the hearts of fans across the sport.

The origin of the seventh-inning stretch is often attributed to President William Howard Taft, who attended a Washington Senators game on April 14, 1910. As the story goes, during the middle of the seventh inning, President Taft stood up to stretch and relieve his stiff legs. Observing the President's actions, the rest of the crowd followed suit as a sign of respect. This simple act of standing and stretching during the seventh-inning break soon caught on in other games, and it eventually became a tradition in baseball stadiums across the United States.

However, there is some debate about the actual origins of the seventh-inning stretch. Some sources suggest that the tradition predates President Taft's game attendance and can be traced back to the 1860s. During this era, baseball games were often long and leisurely affairs, and spectators would stand up and stretch during the seventh inning to alleviate fatigue and rest their legs.

Regardless of its precise origins, the seventh-inning stretch became firmly established as a beloved tradition in baseball. It provides a brief break for fans to relax, socialize, and enjoy the atmosphere of the game. Often, stadiums use this time to play popular songs like "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," a practice that was popularized by Chicago Cubs announcer Harry Caray in the 1980s.

The tradition of the seventh-inning stretch not only offers a physical respite for the fans but also symbolizes the timeless connection between the sport and its audience. It's a moment of unity, as everyone in the stadium, regardless of their team allegiance, comes together to participate in this shared ritual. The seventh-inning stretch has become an enduring symbol of the timeless and cherished traditions that make baseball such a beloved and integral part of American culture.

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