Chicago Cubs: The Heroes of Wrigley Series presents Wayne Messmer

On the 25th anniversary of a life-changing event, the beloved public address announcer begins the Chicago Cubs home opener off on a high note.

As a born and bred Chicago native, Wayne Messmer has been a Chicago sports institution for nearly 40 years.

After years working as a sports director for radio station WAGO and WCKG, the Loyola University graduate began his public-service announcing career in 1982 with the Chicago White Sox.

In 1985, after three years on the South Side, he moved to greener pastures, joining the Chicago Cubs where he served as the field announcer and vocalist, exposing him to a National audience due to the games being broadcast on WGN.

During those early years serenading the Wrigley faithful, Messmer also began singing the National Anthem for the Chicago Blackhawks.  He fired up Hawks fans during the ’85 Stanley Cup Playoffs and is rousing rendition quickly morphed into a tradition for the franchise.

Perhaps his most notable performance came during the 1991 NHL All-Star Game at Chicago Stadium.  With United States troops in the midst of engaging combat in the Persian Gulf, his opening rendition of the National Anthem was met with such amalgamation that the fans engulfed the stadium with cheers so piercing that they nearly drowned out his booming baritone.

It is widely considered one of the greatest moments in hockey history.

In 1994, Messmer became the Senior Executive Vice President for the newly formed IHL team, the Chicago Wolves.  The position saw him play a crucial role in the franchise’s business operations and promotional work within the community.

To this day, Messmer still sings the National Anthem before every home game.