Celebrated trumpeter Dr. Jesse McGuire didn’t need to go to the bullpen when his horn gave out during Saturday’s performance of the national anthem in Phoenix.
Instead, the former lead trumpeter for New York’s Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra transitioned to a cappella to finish his rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner before the Diamondbacks’ win over the visiting Yankees.
‘…through the perilous fight,’ McGuire sang after decisively stepping up to the microphone.
He was rewarded with a standing ovation from the crowd, many of whom had joined him in singing The Star-Spangled Banner.
Not only did the 68-year-old trumpeter show off some quick-thinking skills in the moment, but he also impressed the crowd with his singing voice.
‘The man has a voice!’ one supporter wrote on X. ‘Well done Dr. McGuire!’
Celebrated trumpeter Dr. Jesse McGuire didn’t need to go to the bullpen when his horn gave out during his performance of the national anthem in Phoenix on Saturday
The former lead trumpeter for New York’s Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra transitioned to a cappella to finish his rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner before the Diamondbacks’ win
McGuire, who also works as a vocalist, received a standing ovation when he was finished
‘The man has quite the voice,’ another added. ‘He did a great job.’
The moment seemed so natural that some fans considered the possibility it had been arranged.
‘Oh, I thought they planned it that way,’ one fan remarked.
However, McGuire happens to be a vocalist in addition to his work on the trumpet, according to his website, so his ability to step to the microphone shouldn’t have been a complete surprise.
McGuire was on hand Saturday because the Diamondbacks were commemorating the 25th anniversary of their 2001 World Series victory over the Yankees. The trumpeter became a good-luck charm for the team during that pennant run, performing the anthem before many important games, including Arizona’s decisive Game 7 win in the World Series.
He was later given a World Series ring for his efforts, and appeared to be wearing the piece on Saturday in Phoenix.
The Phoenix native has previously performed at the Daytona 500, NBA playoff games, and even the 2018 Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl parade.
