ARLINGTON -- Tony Beasley's soulful rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" stirred a sellout crowd at Globe Life Park and was the highlight of the Rangers' pregame ceremonies on Monday, Opening Day.
Beasley is an accomplished gospel singer, and delivering the national anthem helped mark his return to full-time duty as the Rangers' third-base coach. He had to sit out last year while undergoing treatment for rectal cancer, but he is at full strength again.
Once Beasley started singing, the crowd slowly and steadily started joining in, reaching a crescendo at the end. It may be the most memorable rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" on Rangers Opening Day since pianist Van Cliburn and the Fort Worth Symphony performed it at the opening of the Ballpark in Arlington in 1994.