Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Play Ball!

On Saturday, I went to the first spring training game of the season for the Arizona Diamondbacks. During my time at the ballpark, I thought of the link between baseball and music. There is such a strong connection between music and baseball that the Library of Congress has a bibliography called, "Bibliography of Published Baseball Music and Songs." This bibliography is very complete with "a listing of over 400 musical works and songs related to baseball."

We hear a lot of music at the ballpark. Each batter has his own "walk-up" song and baseball fans know most of the well-known relief pitchers’ entrance songs. For years, hearing AC/DC's "Hells Bells" was a welcome sound to Padres fans as they saw Trevor Hoffman jog to the mound. Now that Jonathan Papelbon plays for the Phillies, we will no longer hear Dropkick Murphys "Shipping up to Boston" as he makes his entrance.

Speaking of the Dropkick Murphys, it's obvious from their lyrics that they are big fans of Boston sports. I know of at least two of their songs related to baseball. "Tessie" is a longtime anthem of the Boston Red Sox. The Boston Globe calls "Jimmy Collins Wake," from their latest album, "a tune steeped in ancient Red Sox lore." I will be writing more about Dropkick Murphys after I see them at the Rialto on April 12!

A Google search of "baseball songs" shows many lists of the best baseball songs, each generating a lot of discussion and differing opinions. Here is my list:

The Classics: I love the old timey baseball feeling of these old songs.
  • "Say Hey" by The Treniers
  • "Joltin' Joe DiMaggio" by Les Brown Orchestra
  • "Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball" by Woodrow Buddy Johnson

Songs About Specific Teams:
  • "A Dying Cubs Fan's Last Request" by Steve Goodman
  • "The Fenway" by Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers
  • "Tessie" by Dropkick Murphys

The Songs We Sing Along to:
  • "Star Spangled Banner" - Before the game
  • "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" - 7th inning stretch
  • "Sweet Caroline" - In the middle of the 8th inning at Fenway Park
I know that John Fogerty's "Centerfield" is a classic, but it's just not one of my favorites. What are your favorites?
Posted by at 10:17 AM

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