As a freshman double major at Florida State University, Bailey Marie Osceola Latchford doesn’t have a lot of free time as she studies for degrees in criminology and social work.
But when she was asked to sing the national anthem at an FSU baseball game, Latchford was more than happy to find time, especially considering it was for the team’s Seminole Heritage game.
“It was a really great feeling that I was considered and asked to do this,” she wrote in an email to the Tribune after singing the anthem at FSU’s game against the University of Miami on April 12 at Dick Howser Stadium on the Tallahassee campus. “Not only was it something I’ve grown up with, but being able to strongly and proudly represent my tribe is always something I will make time to do. I’m very proud being a Seminole and will never be silent when it comes to my culture, so being chosen to sing at the Seminole Heritage game was truly an honor. Even if this game wasn’t the Heritage Game, I’d still be proud nonetheless and honored to represent at my school.”
Latchford is no stranger to singing. She’s sung in various groups since she was a youngster and continued throughout middle school and high school at NSU University School. As for performing the anthem, she’s done it at Davie Fire Department’s awards ceremony and at high school events.
Despite her experience, understandably there were reasons why nerves might have crept in. After all, she was singing in front of 6,700 spectators on a Friday night, and in front of her school’s baseball team which was ranked No. 10 in the nation at the time, not to mention it was a game against rival Miami.
“I was definitely nervous as I haven’t performed in a little bit. Before I went on the field, I was shaking like a leaf,” Latchford said.
Latchford set aside those nerves and performed the anthem a few feet in front of home plate with no errors.
“Everything ran very smoothly. I received many compliments and rounds of applause when I went back into the stands to watch the game,” she said.
Latchford’s father, Will, watched the performance in person while her mom, Amy, saw it via FaceTime.
To make the night even more satisfying, FSU scored at least one run in each of the first seven innings on the way to an 11-7 victory. After the game, the team welcomed a photo opportunity with the Seminole singer.
“They’re a great and talented group of young men and I was grateful for them to take a photo with me, especially after such a big win,” Latchford said.
Latchford said she is very appreciative of how everything came together for a memorable evening.
“I am very grateful to everyone involved, be it my family, friends, staff, and the people who work behind the scenes to make this happen and for being so supportive. It was truly an honor,” she said.
As for future performances of the anthem, Latchford said it is a goal of hers to sing at an FSU basketball or football game.
“With tribal members being in attendance at big FSU football games, it would be amazing to represent there, too,” she said. “I’m able to be proud to be a Seminole both academically and culturally which is something not many people can say.”
