Forks Officer Delivers National Anthem

Maybe he'll sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" to kick off this weekend.

After all, Forks Township Police Officer is now a celebrity.

Kranich, the department's Community Resource Officer, sang the national anthem before the game Tuesday night to commemorate the 11th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on America.

He sang the anthem not just once, but twice -- once in practice. And the 38-year-old Kranich nailed the country's most patriotic song both times.

"How cool!" his wife Becky said after Kranich did a successful warm-up as the Miami Marlins took batting practice as this Patch editor followed Kranich around during the pre-game festivities.

Kranich got a round of applause for his practice run.

"It's so weird," he said after practice. "I have to stay in tempo in my head."

When it came to singing for real before more than 40,000 at Citizens Bank Park, Kranich made it through without a hitch.

There were a few shots of Kranich on the big video board and the Phillie Phanatic high-fived Kranich and gave him a slap on the back after he was finished.

The team had invited the Forks Township native to sing a patriotic song at the game after he sent in audition tapes. Kranich holds a bachelor’s degree in voice performance from Ithaca College in New York state, has been singing since childhood and regularly performs with the Palisades Community Chorus in Bucks County.

But a little over a week ago, Kranich was switched from singing "God Bless America" in the 7th inning to top billing right before the game.

Kranich and Becky, wearing a white Cliff Lee jersey, arrived at the team's administrative offices around 5:10 p.m.

After meeting a Phillies representative, he was escorted to a locker room to change. He got into his Forks Township police uniform and waited in a hallway until practice time.

"I'm a little nervous," he said. "I've been practicing and I'm ready to go. Who would have thought? It's pretty awesome. The weather couldn't be nicer."

While waiting, Kranich took some sips of water to keep his throat moist and did some humming. His wife rubbed his shoulder when Kranich said his nerves were getting to him a bit.

""i'm extremely proud and excited," Becky said. "Everyone is excited. He's been the talk of all day."