Itzhak Perlman performed the national anthem before the NL Wild Card Game, and it was great

As if the Giants-Mets NL Wild Card Game wasn't already a dignified and classy affair, the presence of virtuoso violinist Itzhak Perlman to perform the national anthem -- in full Mets regalia -- made the matchup truly the main event on New York City's Fall social calendar:

Perlman has performed all across the globe, and even at President Barack Obama's first inauguration -- yet, the momentus occasion on Wednesday night was undoubtedly the peak of his performing career.
And, in a rendition worthy of the dueling gems the two starters would ultimately toss, Perlman brought the anthem to life in the weeping, resonant way only he and his violin can accomplish.
Madison Bumgarner, a man of distinction himself, clearly felt particularly moved by the performance: He went on to pitch a shutout, pushing the Bay Area club through to the NLDS with a 3-0 victory.