Complete Guide: Cubs Defeat Cardinals but Fans Boo Seventh – Inning Tradition
Cubs Victory Overshadowed by Booing Incident
The Chicago Cubs decisively defeated their National League Central rival St. Louis Cardinals 11-0 on Sunday, yet the Wrigley Field crowd found reason to boo during the seventh-inning stretch. The boos targeted Alex Cooper, host of the podcast “Call Her Daddy, ” who was invited to sing the traditional “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” Despite Cooper’s success in podcasting, including a $125 million deal with SiriusXM signed in 2023, her singing failed to resonate with the crowd, who expressed their displeasure loudly. Social media amplified the reaction, with one user claiming the booing was deserved given the Cubs’ dominant lead.
Alex Cooper’s Singing Compared to Celebrity Performances
The crowd’s response to Alex Cooper’s singing sparked widespread debate, with some comparing her performance unfavorably to Roseanne Barr’s infamous national anthem rendition. This comparison highlights how public expectations for such ceremonial moments remain high, especially in a historic venue like Wrigley Field. Cooper had warned the crowd they would “never see something like this before, ” yet her effort was met with a chorus of boos rather than applause. This reaction demonstrates the tension between celebrity appearances and traditional sports culture, where fans often expect polished or heartfelt performances.
Cooper’s Controversial Background Adds Complexity
Alex Cooper’s public image adds layers to the community’s response. Beyond podcasting success, she recently made headlines by accusing her former Boston University soccer coach, Nancy Feldman, of sexual harassment in the Hulu documentary “Call Her Alex.” Cooper alleged inappropriate behavior, including unwanted touching and intrusive questions about her personal life. Boston University’s official statement reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment and outlined their support systems, though nearly 100 BU alumni publicly defended Feldman, citing no personal safety concerns. Feldman’s coaching record includes 418 victories, ranking 22nd all time in women’s college soccer, underscoring her respected status in the sport.
Community Divided Over Performance and Allegations
The dual controversies—Cooper’s poor singing at Wrigley and her serious accusations against a renowned coach—have divided public opinion. Some fans and social media users see the booing as justified based on the underwhelming performance alone, especially given the Cubs’ commanding 11-0 lead at the time. Others argue that the backlash may be influenced by Cooper’s personal controversies, complicating her reception among baseball fans. The mix of sports tradition, celebrity culture, and serious social issues reveals how community reactions can be multifaceted and data-driven, with social media metrics showing significant engagement both supporting and criticizing Cooper.
Implications for Future Celebrity Appearances at Games
This incident raises questions about the selection of celebrity guests for iconic sports traditions like the seventh-inning stretch. While Cooper’s $125 million contract with SiriusXM indicates her broad popularity, the Wrigley crowd’s reaction suggests that podcast fame does not always translate into acceptance in sports settings. Teams and event organizers may need to consider fan expectations more carefully, balancing star power with performance ability and public reputation. Data from this event may influence future decisions, as social media sentiment analysis showed a predominantly negative reaction, which could impact attendance and fan satisfaction metrics in subsequent games.
