CHICAGO, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) — Terre Haute South graduate and lead singer of Christian rock group Sidewalk Prophets, David Frey, sang the National Anthem ahead of the Chicago Cubs’ game on Wednesday, as a heartwarming tribute to his childhood hero and stepfather.
This chance to sing the National Anthem in front of a packed crowd at Wrigley Field wasn’t just an opportunity to show off his singing prowess, but rather a way to honor his stepfather Jeffrey Harder and childhood hero Ryne Sandberg—former Chicago Cub and Hall of Famer—who both died from cancer this year.
“I’m here today for Jeff and Ryno, and I’m going to focus on that every single note I sing,” Frey said. “Even though they’re not here, they are absolutely in my heart today,”
For Frey, the Cubs have always been a safe place for him. A way to escape from day-to-day struggles.
Frey said he has fond memories of watching Sandberg at Wrigley Field and all the records he set along the way, but it was the milestone of becoming a father that also made this fan feel like a friend.
“[Sandberg] sent me a video of encouragement when I became a dad and it meant a lot, so I never got to meet him face-to-face, but I felt like through all those years, I knew him,” Frey said.
Frey said singing the national anthem in the place he watched his childhood hero rack up seven Silver Sluggers, nine Golden Gloves and one NL MVP award in 1988, was a highlight of his life, but one that carried a lot of emotion.
“Life is full of bittersweet. It’s full of highs and lows and sometimes they collide at the same time,” Frey said.
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