Listen to Rocco Scotti's Rendition of the National Anthem at the 1981 MLB All-Star Game in Cleveland

Steve DiMatteo Baseball History Sports

Rocco Scotti National Anthem at 1981 All-Star Game

Rocco Scotti was a beloved Cleveland baritone/tenor who sang the National Anthem more than anyone else - an estimated 10,000 times by the singer's own estimation.

Scotti was the son of Italian immigrants and raised in Cleveland's Little Italy neighborhood. The popular local talent passed away in 2015 at the age of 95, but was well-known for all the times he sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Cleveland Indians games, which dates back to his first time on Opening Day in 1952. Scotti even became good friends with Cleveland great Bob Feller over the years.

One of his most famous renditions at Municipal Stadium came during the 1981 All-Star Game, in which Cleveland hosted the first MLB game following the players' strike. Also of note, this is one of only two All-Star Games to take place outside July, and it's still the only MLB All-Star Game to happen on a Sunday. This game also has the still-standing record for All-Star Game attendance at 72,086 (Municipal Stadium was nothing if not cavernous).

In case you were also wondering, pitcher Len Barker (who threw a perfect game earlier in the season) and catcher Bo Díaz were Cleveland's All-Star representatives that year.

Give Scotti's rendition of the National Anthem a listen below and you'll quickly see why he was such a beloved figure in the Cleveland sports world and beyond (Rick Burleson of the Angels even gives Scotti a thumbs up when he finishes the song).

Bonus points if you can spot Bob Hope and then-Vice President George Bush in the crowd!



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