Navy Band Honors Late Seattle Mariners Sportscaster with National Anthem

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Scott Dagendesh, Navy Public Affairs Support Element Detachment Northwest

SEATTLE (NNS) -- Navy Band Northwest (NBNW) sung the National Anthem for hundreds of fans, families and military personnel who gathered at Safeco Field in Seattle to honor the late sportscaster for the Seattle Mariners professional baseball team Dec. 11.

Dave Niehaus was the lead play-by-play announcer for the Seattle Mariners from their inaugural season in 1977 until his death after the 2010 season.

"We were asked by the Mariners since Mr. Niehaus passed away if we'd participate...out of so many people probably thousands who had sung the National Anthem, we were considered his favorite, so out of tribute to him, we were asked," said Chief Musician Nicholas Flores, NBNW Ceremonial Band Unit leader. "The experience, performing for the community, is a good one. I feel like I am right at home."

"It definitely means a lot; it is an honor not only to play for the people of Seattle, to honor Dave Niehaus, but also to represent our country," said Musician 1st Class Karen Fazzini, NBNW leading petty officer. "It is a meaningful day for us. It's just a small part of what we do to pay back the citizens of Seattle and play our Anthem for them and in a small way, honor Dave Niehaus' memory."

For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest, visit www.navy.mil/local/nwpacen/.