Ceremonial first pitch details, National Anthem singer for Yankees' World Series Game 3

After a difficult (to say the least) first two games of the World Series at Dodger Stadium, the New York Yankees return home on Monday for Game 3 looking to make a 1996-style statement. Or maybe it needs to be more like 1978, given that the Dodgers are involved.

In both of those seasons, New York faced a 2-0 deficit, and benefitted from an ace-like performance (Ron Guidry, David Cone) to tilt momentum somewhat. In '96, they had to go on the road three times, won an absurd back-and-forth Game 4 (thanks, Jim Leyritz), and still had to beat Greg Maddux at home in Game 6 to ensure the comeback wasn't for nought. Sounds pretty "once in a lifetime," but hey, you never know.

As the capacity crowd revs up for Game 3, they'll be treated to a National Anthem performance from Broadway's Leslie Odom Jr. (Hamilton's original Aaron Burr), as well as a pregame concert from New York sports stalwart Fat Joe.

No, "Jealous Ones Still Envy" was not retroactively added to the National Archives. These are two separate instances, but we do enjoy that brainstorm.

New York Yankees Ceremonial First Pitch, National Anthem singer details for World Series Game 3 vs. Dodgers

First pitch, scheduled for 8:08 PM EST throughout the series, is tentatively set for 8:14 PM EST on this particular evening, giving Fat Joe some breathing room. You may recall Jay-Z and Alicia Keys bringing down the house with "Empire State of Mind" before Game 2 of the 2009 World Series, preceding a Yankees win that turned the tide. Unfortunately, this year's team doesn't have quite as convenient an anthem.

Tossing out the ceremonial first pitch, following a stirring Game 1 choice in Los Angeles, will be ... are you ready for this? ... Derek Freaking Jeter, attempting to counteract some of the pregame crew's David Ortiz bias.

Our thoughts? Sign up Leyritz for one of these and make sure the magic in the building is maximized. The window remains open for the Yankees. They just have to reach through and grab what's floating in the ether.