From Wesleyan to the World Series: Wayne Messmer honored at IWU homecoming

Posted on October 13, 2017

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:

Sean Copeland can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year. It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city. Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University. We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk. Going to work every day for some people means…