Washington, D.C. (August 20, 2002) -- What's better than a front row seat behind home plate at a major league baseball game? George Krumbhaar, Managing Editor of GalleryWatch's USBudget service, found out on August 19th as he stepped onto the field to sing the National Anthem with the Hexagon Quartet to open the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
"The whole scene on a major league baseball field surrounded by players and fans including several dozen friends and family members, was so improbable that it was hard to keep from laughing," said George. "It was thrilling seeing thousands of people standing at attention to face the flag listening to our rendition of the anthem. From the first note until we reached ' .and the home of the brave,' I don't think I quit smiling."
George sings bass in a quartet from the Hexagon Club, an all-volunteer organization that each year produces an original musical that satirizes politics and society. Since its inception in 1955, Hexagon has contributed more than $3 million to over thirty Washington, D.C. area charities. George has been involved with the club since 1988 and enjoys singing classical songs, show tunes, as well as folk songs. Rounding out the Hexagon Quartet are singers Gary Schneider, an attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice, Doug Smith, a retired high school teacher, and Bill Seely, a retired Army colonel. Another Hexagon member, Ms. Gay Hill, arranged their rendition with barbershop-type harmonies.
Last winter, the group recorded a tape during a rehearsal break for the annual Hexagon show and submitted the tape to the Orioles' organization. "I was more than a little surprised when I found out that we were chosen to sing," explained George. The Hexagon Quartet joins the ranks of many noted singers who have graced the field at Oriole Park including Jewel, Joan Jett, All 4 One, Three Mo Tenors, Lea Thompson, James Earl Jones, Edwin McCain, Bruce Hornsby and Branford Marsalis.
While Krumbhaar and his group started the night off with a harmonic rendition of the National Anthem, the Orioles did not quite find their own rhythm as they suffered a 7-3 loss to the Devil Rays. Even though the evening ended in a loss for the Orioles, there was a happy ending for George and the other members of the Hexagon Quartet. They have already received an invitation to kick-off another game next season!
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