Justin Turner bobblehead night this season was unique not only by the design featuring him as a pitcher, but also with Kourtney Turner signing the national anthem.
Although Kourtney has experience singing in a choir, it wasn’t a skill used with any frequency of late. “I was nervous because I hadn’t sung in front of anyone since high school and I didn’t want to embarrass myself or the Turner name,” she told DodgerBlue.com.
Also important was performing the anthem well because of its significance to veterans, who are a focal point of assistance provided by the Justin Turner Foundation. “I took the task very seriously and wanted to make everyone proud,” Kourtney said.
But despite the desire to produce an impressive performance, Turner did not feel much pressure. “I was pretty calm in the days leading up to anthem night,” she said.
“But when I showed up at Dodger Stadium, I had some doubts and nerves start to creep up on me. I went to meet with Dieter in the press box to run through the song a few times, and wasn’t prepared to sing in the press box in front of other people.
“The reaction of a few people around me made me feel more confident in my upcoming performance. I headed down to the field to do my sound check, not realizing fans would be out on the field for Rockies batting practice.
“I felt oddly calm during those few run throughs and was ready to go right then and there. Sadly, you have to wait an hour until your actual performance so I just did my best hanging out with friends and staying loose and trying not to stare at the clock.”
Part of not overthinking the anthem had Turner watching the song’s 20 worst performances of all-time on YouTube. “Although I don’t recommend spending the night before watching that, it made me realize that even if I forgot the words or hit the wrong note, life would go on and I would still be proud of my accomplishment,” she said.
None of the worst-case scenarios came to light as Turner masterfully sang the anthem to a rousing applause.
“I would say this was pretty high up on my bucket list. Growing up, I absolutely loved performing in choir, dance and theater, so it was really special to be able to feel that feeling again,” she said.
“I think my identity can get lost a little bit as the wife of a Major League Baseball player, so for me to have a moment that was all my own, and surprise people a little bit with my talent, meant the world to me. Also, Justin has never seen me sing, aside from hearing silly singing in the car or shower, so I loved that the first time he witnessed it was at his favorite place in the world in front of an awesome crowd.”
“I would love to sing the anthem again for another event if I was asked. I think once you’ve sang it in front of 50,000 people at Dodger Stadium you can sing it anywhere. I had such an incredible time.”
Kourtney Turner performed ‘amazing’ anthem
After standing in front of the Dodgers dugout during the national anthem, Justin Turner walked over to congratulate Kourtney and days later was still marveling at her performance.
“That was amazing,” he said. “I think it’s something that she’s always wanted to do. Having the bobblehead for the second-to-last-game of the year, it all kind of lined up and worked out perfect.
“I couldn’t be more proud of her. Got goosebumps and chills standing out there watching her sing the national anthem in front of 50,000 people. It was incredible.”
As for the pitching bobblehead, the design was Turner’s idea and one he enjoyed seeing come to light.
“It was fun. I’ve done a hitting, fielding, had the walk-off bobblehead, and FOCO did the tag (from 2020 National League Championship Series),” he recalled.
“I was kind of joking when I said the only thing left to do is a pitching bobblehead. They were on board with it right away. It was cool.”
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