By Sean Copeland
BLOOMINGTON – Wayne Messmer, the longtime former public address announcer for the Chicago Cubs and known as the “Voice of Wrigley Field” is Illinois Wesleyan University’s Distinguished Alumnus for this weekend’s homecoming.
Messmer, who graduated from Wesleyan in 1972, talked with WJBC’s Scott Laughlin about his journey from IWU to the World Series, and said it’s an honor to receive the award.
Messmer is well known for his rendition of the national anthem. He said whether it’s singing the anthem or protesting during its playing it’s all centered on one thing.
“My take on the national anthem is respect. I had a highly decorated WWII vet as a dad, I get it,” said Messmer. “And I know that, the message or the poem is when sung on pitch, which is the way I look at it. You’re reciting a poem.”
Since Messmer’s arrival at his alma mater, he’s had the chance to mentor students by teaching a master class.
PODCAST: Here’s the full interview from Scott Laughlin’s interview:
https://audioboom.com/posts/6391350-wayne-messmer-iwu-alum-10-13-17?t=0
Sean Copeland can be reached at sean.copeland25@gmail.com.
