Metallica honored to continue anthem tradition for Giants

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The Giants are finding a way to keep a long-running Oracle Park tradition going even in a year where access is limited. 

For the eighth consecutive season, the Giants will have Metallica play the national anthem before a home game.  The rock band includes San Francisco natives and has been based in the city for years. This year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, they are providing the national anthem via a pre-recorded video and also sending other videos expressing support. Since 2013, the band has come to Oracle Park every year to set up on the field before a game and play the anthem for fans. 

"They're always a pleasure. Come on, to be able to support a hometown team in the best possible way, it's a huge honor," guitarist Kirk Hammett said in an interview with former Giant and noted Metallica fan George Kontos. "And also to be able to play the national anthem for a hometown team, that's just beyond huge. As a native San Franciscan, the honor to be a civil servant for San Francisco cannot be higher for me to play the national anthem with James for the Giants."

Fellow guitarist and singer James Hetfield recorded the "play ball" video for the game, beginning it with a wave and message to "Kap" and the staff and players. 

"Lots of gratitude for you guys starting up again," he said. "Really looking forward to seeing you live one day, hopefully. Hopefully, we can both be able to play live at some point, but we're grateful that you're out there doing it and pushing for it and doing what you love."

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