By Fiifi Cann
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
At the start of the Morgan State versus the Towson University softball doubleheader on March 30, a Black man in a leather jacket, black collared shirt and a bright tie walked towards a microphone in the center of the field.
He grabbed the mic as the crowd stood, putting their hands over their hearts.
The crowd was silent as he first sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a song known as the “Black national anthem,” and then the U.S. national anthem. Surprised by the song selection, Morgan State players turned to look at who was singing before raising their hands and clenching their fists in a symbol of Black nationalism, pride and solidarity.
The singer is Randall Murrain. At each home softball game, he is present with a microphone in his hand to sing the anthem and then cheer on the team. After several years of singing as a volunteer, as of the 2021-22 season Murrain now receives a stipend for his serenades.
“I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Murrain said. “It’s been fun, it’s an honor and I love all these sports teams and everyone involved.”
Marissa Spears, the Director of Operations for the softball team, first met Murrain after seeing him sing the anthem at the NCAA tournament for lacrosse at Johnny Unitas Stadium.
“When I heard him sing for the first time I was truly blown away,” Spears said. “I had to contact the athletics department right after because I couldn’t believe they were sleeping on such a talented guy.”
Murrain has been living in Baltimore since he was 2 years old, and he attended Towson from 2010 to 2017. Although he never played sports, he has always been a fan of the sporting teams at the university.
“It’s wonderful to see the hard work and dedication of all these teams put into their craft,” Murrain said.
Like the fans, Murrain was not allowed to attend games during the pandemic. And players like Aleah Nelson, point guard for the women’s basketball team, say they missed him.
“Every home game, a recording of him singing the anthem played through the speakers because he wasn’t allowed to be present to sing at the games,” Nelson said. “But hearing him in person is just so powerful.”
Back on the softball field, Murrain stood for the entire game screaming at the umpires and cheering on the players, one of Towson’s loudest supporters.
As the seventh inning came to an end leading to a loss for Towson, encouraged the players to “keep their heads up and be ready to go again.”
“It doesn’t matter to me if we win by 10 or lose by 10,” Murrain said. “To me, the softball team is virtually family and I’m there for family as much as I can be.”