Elaine Kremer: A familiar voice during Johnson City's seventh-inning break

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – The seventh inning break is an iconic moment in any baseball game, especially baseball games in Johnson City.

Fans who attend Johnson City Doughboys and former Cardinals games know superfan Elaine Kremer and her voice.

“Well, it started when the Johnson City Cardinals were here, and I was at the first game, and I sang at the last one too,” Kremer said. “I like that they kind of go with me, and I like that the crowd goes with me; that way I don’t feel so stupid.”

Doughboys general manager Patrick Ennis said Kremer is an integral part of the team’s spirit.

“She’s become a fixture and she makes sure that when we’re behind, she’s yelling at our guys to score more runs,” Ennis said. “Even when we’re ahead, she’s yelling and making sure we score more runs. So she’s a fixture here at TVA Credit Union Stadium.”

Austin Lloyd, host of the Doughboys, said some fans come to games to sing with Kremer.

“She’s been doing this for years, like 10, 20 years, so it’s a good tradition for us because fans can recognize her and come up to her and say, ‘Hey, great job,’ or ‘Hey, that’s my favorite part of the game,'” Lloyd said. “I’ve had fans come up to me and say, ‘Hey, that’s my favorite part because I can’t wait to sing with you.'”

Kramer plans to be a familiar presence during the seventh-inning break until her 90th birthday.

“I’m 82 years old, so I have eight more years to go,” she said. “Then I’ll stop.”