The New York Yankees will no longer play Kate Smith's classic rendition of "God Bless America" during the seventh-inning stretch of home games after becoming aware of racist songs Smith performed in the 1930s.
The team has been playing the song following "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" ever since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
USA Todayreports that the Yankees learned that Smith was also known for some songs that are stunningly racist by today's standards.
"The Yankees take social, racial and cultural insensitivities very seriously," said a spokesman. "And while no final conclusions have been made, we are erring on the side of sensitivity."
How bad are they? One is called "Pickaninny Heaven" and another is called "That's Why Darkies Were Born," which was a Top 20 hit in 1931.
Lyrics of “Pickaninny Heaven,” include a line about black children fantasizing about watermelons. "That's Why Darkies Were Born" comes off as an ode to slavery.
Smith also reportedly endorsed the Mammy Dollin 1939, a toy that was based on a racist caricature of a black woman.
The Philadelphia Flyers also announced that their franchise would find a different version of "God Bless America" to play.