How the National Anthem Became a Part of Sports-- Part 1: First Recorded Event Was a Civil War Baseball Game

From the September 26, 2017, USA Today  "How National Anthem became essential part of sports."

The National Anthem is from the War of 1812.  The first time it was played at a sporting event was at an 1862 baseball game during the Civil War.  During World Wars I and II, it got a huge boost and these two wars established the tradition of playing it before games.

Written in 1814 by Francis Scott Key, it became the de facto national anthem not long afterwards.  Congress made it the official National Anthem in 1931.

Some even believe that the National Anthem should actually be "Yankee Doodle Dandy, because it dates back to the American Revolution.

--Old Secesh