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The Canadian Press - ONLINE EDITION

Singer strikes out, botches Canadian and US anthems before spring training game

By: The Associated Press

Posted: 02/27/2013 11:15 PM | Comments: 0 | Last Modified: 02/27/2013 11:39 PM

Singer Jeff Fuller reacts after forgetting lyrics to the Canadian national anthem before an exhibition baseball game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Houston Astros, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013, in Dunedin, Fla. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

DUNEDIN, Fla. - A singer struck out in a big way at spring training, botching both the Canadian and U.S. national anthems before an exhibition game.

Jeff Fuller messed up the lyrics in "O Canada" and "The Star-Spangled Banner" before the Toronto Blue Jays hosted the Houston Astros on Wednesday.

Fuller's first attempt at the Canadian anthem went awry when he lost track of the words. With some fans booing and others cheering, the tenor started over again in the middle of the diamond, but forgot the words and stopped.

Several Toronto players laughed, including third baseman Brett Lawrie, who is a Canadian citizen.

Fuller then began "The Star-Spangled Banner" and mixed up the words. He kept going and finished.

The Blue Jays' mascot greeted Fuller as he left the field. Toronto manager John Gibbons shook Fuller's hand.

"Poor guy, nowhere to hide," Gibbons said. "I admire him for sticking out there and doing it."

Tweeted Lawrie: "Ahah how bout the guy singing the national anthems today ?? Ahah woee boyy."

Toronto lost 10-1 to the Astros.

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