First Shakespeare. Then television. Then musical comedy. And now baseball. That is cross-training without equal. Veteran Los Angeles television actor Kelsey Grammer (of “Frasier” fame) played a cameo role with the Chicago Cubs Thursday. He stepped out on the diamond as a singer, not a slugger. The Julliard trained star of My Fair Lady and La Cage aux Folles on Broadway cheered the crowd at Wrigley Field with “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”
The broadcast on superstation WGN was a helpful reminder of the mutual support the worlds of entertainment and sports share with each other. Athletes get to boost their popularity on Dancing with the Stars and guest appearances on talk shows. Actors and singers maintain momentum between performances with guest appearances at sports events.
While extra money always helps, there is lot to be said for this type of cross-training’s benefits for professional development. Continuing to challenge yourself and work in unfamiliar environments promotes talent and helps pros achieve the all important goal of taking it to the next level. It sure worked for Grammer and the Cubs. Chicago edged out the San Francisco Giants 2 to 1.
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