Long-Time Indians National Anthem Singer Rocco Scotti Dies

CLEVELAND – If you ever attended an Indians game at Cleveland Stadium and heard his voice, you likely never forgot it.

Sadly the Indians announced tonight that long time National Anthem singer Rocco Scotti has passed away at 95.

Here’s the official announcement from the Indians:

The Cleveland Indians organization is deeply saddened tonight with the passing of well-known former national anthem singer Rocco Scotti.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Scotti family,” said Cleveland Indians Senior Vice President of Public Affairs BOB DIBIASIO. “Rocco was a unique member of the Cleveland sports scene for many years. We truly enjoyed our long relationship with him.”

Scotti, 95, who moved to Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood when he was 3, was a Collinwood High School grad. He worked with his father in the construction trades for years while taking singing lessons, and eventually sang across the country. The Indians honored him pregame on September 8 last year, playing one of his legendary operatic renditions of the national anthem prior to the Indians vs. Angels game.