Event Calendar & News: Student News

MSU Spartan Brass entertains at New York Yankees spring training game

The MSU Spartan Brass got the chance of a lifetime to perform at a New York Yankees spring training game in Tampa, Florida. The band performed the National Anthem and pre-game selections out on the field with the team, along with spirited game tunes between innings.

The opportunity came along at the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in Tampa in March 2003. Thirty of the one hundred band members performed at the tournament game to cheer along the MSU Spartan Basketball Team, which defeated the University of Colorado and the University of Florida that weekend.

During the game, an usher approached John Madden, director of the band, pointing out that George Steinbrenner, owner of the New York Yankees, had just gestured to the band a "thumbs up" from his luxury box above. As a result, Madden introduced himself to Steinbrenner after the game, mentioning that the band would be available to play the National Anthem at the Yankee’s Spring Training Game the next day. Five minutes later, Madden’s cell phone rang. It was a call from Mr. Steinbrenner's assistant with an acceptance to his offer.

Ten thousand people were in attendance to watch the Yankees play the Minnesota Twins at Legends Field, which was broadcast on the sports television channel in New York.

"George Steinbrenner has an affinity for the tradition and heritage of the Big Ten Marching Bands," said Madden. "He donated $1.2 million to the Ohio State University (his wife's alma mater) Marching Band for a new practice building. He also served as an assistant football coach for Purdue in his earlier years."