Blind, Autistic Clarinet Player Performs National Anthem at Diamondbacks' Home Opener

21-year-old Joe Giacinto wowed the crowd at Chase Field with his rendition of 'The Star-Spangled Banner'.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:55pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the energetic movements and raw emotion of a musician playing the clarinet on a stage, the details dissolving into unrecognizable brushstrokes.A blind, autistic clarinet player's passionate performance of the national anthem inspires the crowd at a major league baseball game.Phoenix Today

Joe Giacinto, a 21-year-old blind and autistic clarinet player from Arizona, performed the national anthem at the Arizona Diamondbacks' 2026 home opener in front of a packed crowd of 48,350 fans at Chase Field. Giacinto has played the clarinet for over a decade and has performed with jazz bands in New Orleans and at an Atlanta Hawks game, impressing audiences with his musical talent despite his disabilities.

Why it matters

Giacinto's performance at the Diamondbacks' home opener is a heartwarming story that showcases the power of music to transcend disabilities and bring people together. His inspiring journey and impressive skills have earned him recognition and opportunities to perform at high-profile sporting events, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and celebrating the talents of individuals with disabilities.

The details

Joe Giacinto, a 21-year-old blind and autistic clarinet player, took the field at Chase Field on Monday to perform the national anthem before the Arizona Diamondbacks' 2026 home opener. Giacinto has been playing the clarinet for over a decade, mastering every song by ear. He has previously performed with jazz bands in New Orleans and at an Atlanta Hawks game, impressing audiences with his musical talent. The Diamondbacks had originally invited Giacinto to perform the anthem before the 2020 season, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the performance to be a virtual one. This year, Giacinto was able to perform in front of a crowd of 48,350 fans at the home opener.

  • Giacinto has played the clarinet for more than a decade.
  • The Diamondbacks originally invited Giacinto to perform the anthem before the 2020 season, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the performance to be a virtual one.
  • Giacinto performed the national anthem at the Diamondbacks' 2026 home opener on March 31, 2026.

The players

Joe Giacinto

A 21-year-old blind and autistic clarinet player from Arizona who has been playing the instrument for over a decade and has performed with jazz bands and at sporting events, including the Atlanta Hawks game.

Arizona Diamondbacks

The professional baseball team based in Phoenix, Arizona, who invited Giacinto to perform the national anthem at their 2026 home opener.

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What they’re saying

“Such an amazing opportunity, I can't wait.”

— Joe Giacinto

The takeaway

Joe Giacinto's inspiring performance at the Diamondbacks' home opener showcases the power of music to transcend disabilities and bring people together. His journey and impressive skills have earned him recognition and opportunities to perform at high-profile sporting events, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and celebrating the talents of individuals with disabilities.