On a day filled with excitement, New York Yankees fans were met with a surprising controversy even before the first pitch of their opening day game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Renowned Broadway actress and singer Betsy Wolfe took the spotlight to perform "The Star-Spangled Banner," a beloved tradition that sets the tone for America's favorite pastime.

However, what was meant to be a moment of patriotic pride quickly turned into a misguided spectacle when eagle-eyed fans noticed Wolfe reading the lyrics directly from her phone. This led to a wave of disappointment on social media, with many criticizing her lack of preparation for such a significant moment. One particularly vocal fan urged the Yankees organization to “do better,” reflecting a collective sentiment that performers of the national anthem should have the lyrics memorized.

Despite the backlash surrounding her performance, some fans praised Wolfe's vocal talent, emphasizing the need to separate the artist's skill from a single moment of misstep. The incident sparked a wider conversation about preparation and the shifting norms surrounding live performances, particularly in high-stakes environments.

As the game progressed, the Yankees managed to put on a show of their own. Catcher Austin Wells made history by hitting a lead-off home run—marking the first time a catcher had done so on opening day in Major League Baseball. The early lead electrified the crowd, propelling New York to a 4-2 victory over the Brewers, despite some nail-biting moments in the ninth inning when closer Devin Williams allowed a run to score before ultimately sealing the win.

While Wolfe's choice to reference her phone might have overshadowed her performance momentarily, the game ended positively for the Yankees, who are looking to build momentum as the season unfolds. They'll face the Brewers again this Saturday at 1:05 p.m. ET, as fans hope for another exhilarating matchup—hopefully without any unexpected distractions.