There have been quite a few terrible renditions of the national anthem at sporting events over the years, but one North Carolina man may hold the title for delivering the "worst rendition" of the Star Spangled Banner ever. Chuck Hayworth was not scheduled to sing the national anthem prior to a minor league baseball game between the Atlantic League's High Point Rockers and Sugar Land Skeeters but volunteered to fill in at the last minute after the scheduled singer called out sick.
Hayworth took the field and completely botched the song. He stumbled through the words, took long pauses and even asked the crowd to chime in and help. The video was shared on Twitter by Barstool Sports and it quickly went viral.
After the game, Hayworth posted an apology on Facebook saying that "the heat had gotten to me" while he was singing.
"By no means was this any disrespect to our country or our organization, nor all those who serve it," he wrote.
The High Point Rockers issued a statement apologizing for his horrible rendition.
"The High Point Rockers had a last-minute fill-in for their National Anthem singer who fell ill. The performer volunteered to fill-in on short notice following a last-minute audition. Unfortunately, due to a combination of factors, the rendition was not up to organizational standards. The High Point Rockers regret the incident and apologize to any and all Americans."
The team said that several voice coaches have reached out to work with Hayworth and they are willing to give him a chance to redeem himself later in the season.
"The Rockers also believe that second chances are uniquely American and thus are offering that opportunity to the performer. Since Sunday night, numerous voice coaches have reached out to the performer and the organization, offering their services to help redeem the last-minute performer. As a result, the team will strongly consider having the performer back later in the 2019 season, based upon a consensus opinion of the voice coach, organization and performer."