Yankees give Kate Smith’s ‘God Bless America’ the heave-ho

After 18 years, the Yankees will no longer play Kate Smith’s “God Bless America” during the seventh-inning stretch, after learning of Smith’s history of inherent racism.

For almost two decades, Yankees fans have become accustomed to hearing Kate Smith’s 1939 recording of Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America” during the seventh inning stretch.

Well, no more, my friend. On Thursday, the Yanks officially decided to stop playing the iconic tune after evidence was unearthed that linked Smith with possible racist behavior.

Smith, who died in 1986 at the age of 79, was known as The First Lady of Radio. Hailing from Washington, D.C., Smith’s radio, television and recording career spanned five decades.

Her popularity peaked during World World II when she was credited with contributions to American culture and patriotism. Unfortunately, there may have also been a dark side to her past that is just now coming to light.

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As first reported by Stefan Bondy of The Daily News, Smith recorded a song entitled “Picaninny Heaven” which was directed towards black children that dreamt of let’s just say, stereotypical things.

The video that was shot in accordance with the song took place at an orphanage for black children and is said to be blatantly racist in its portrayal.

Although the Yankees claim to have never known about Smith’s bigoted past, her affinity for promoting the “Mammy Doll,” which was based on a racist character should have been enough to pull the plug on Smith’s tune long before today.

"“The Yankees have been aware of a recording that had been previously unknown to us and decided to immediately and carefully review this new information,” a club spokesman said. “The Yankees take social, racial and cultural insensitivities very seriously. And while no final conclusions have been made, we are erring on the side of sensitivity.”"

Smith also recorded a song entitled “That’s Why Darkies Were Born,” however, conflicting reports state that the song was considered satire at the time because it was recorded with African-American activist, actor and singer Paul Robeson.

“God Bless America” became a go-to anthem around Major League Baseball following 9/11.

For the time being, the Yankees will play a different rendition of the song but have considered implementing live performances during the middle of the seventh inning.