“Baseball is meant to be a contemplative game. They play music to draw young people to the game. If young people can’t come to the game without music, then they should stay home.” ~ W.P. Kinsella, Author of “Shoeless Joe” which what the movie, “Field of Dreams” was based.
Well, I think I’ve mentioned previously that “I’m not old school, I’m the dirt upon which the old school was built.” I don’t need music blaring at me in between innings and I don’t need “walk-up” songs blasted over the PA System for each batter. Even more ridiculous is that Little League kids use “walk-up” songs now. I realize times have changed, but “change” denotes something was wrong with baseball previously and I don’t feel the old way of Nancy Faust (Chicago White Sox retired organist) doing a couple of random bars of a song as the batter walked up was a bad way of doing things. She was spontaneous and could play just about anything. More on Nancy in a future blog.
My opinion aside, these side effects are probably here to stay. It’s not a hill I’m willing to die on. I also realize that athletes use music to psych themselves up or to prepare for their games. I play guitar (some banjo and mandolin as well), so music is important to me. And I do use it to relax and prepare before my games, as well as when I’m working out. I would not blare my music in a clubhouse like a former MLB player did, only to have one of his teammates assault his boombox with a bat when he walked out during a game. I listen on the way to practices and games. I do it in my “private” places, my garage gym and in my car.
Since our Naperville Yankees Opening Day didn’t occur as scheduled on the 24th, we opened last night in Midlothian at Howie Minas Field. On my way to the game, I listened to the following playlist on my iPhone. The first six songs I’ve used for years. I had burned them on a CD back in the days I played in the 30 and over Woodridge Park District Baseball League. When I started playing with the 60 plus team, I added the last three.
Here is my “Baseball” Playlist and some comments of why they were chosen. (Feel free to click on the hyperlink to enjoy the music).
1. “Touch of Grey” - The Grateful Dead
When I was playing in Woodridge, I started getting that “touch of grey” in my beard. Plus, I related to the line “I will get by, I will survive.”
2. “The Boys of Summer” - Don Henley
The title of course is taken from Roger Kahn’s famous book (excellent read) about the Brooklyn Dodgers of the 50s. Don Henley states that the song although he loves baseball, is really about looking back. This song has always spoken to me.
3. “Against the Wind” - Bob Seger
Again, a reminiscing song. Baseball has been a constant in my life and this song reminds me of my baseball journey. Plus, it was in the movie “For Love of the Game”.
4. “Centerfield” - John Fogerty
Is an explanation really necessary for this one? Fogerty nailed it!
5. “It’s in the Way That You Use It” - Eric Clapton
This song was in the movie, “The Color of Money” which was the sequel to “The Hustler” and catches us up with “Fast Eddie” Felson and his trip back to the pool halls and tournaments. Hearing the song in this movie always made me think of swinging a baseball bat, so on the list it went.
6. “Hollywood Nights” - Bob Seger
A solid rocker of a song that pumps the blood while you’re working out. Plus, it has a classic line “She had been born with a face that would let her get away. He saw that face and he lost all control”. I can relate.
7. “Eye of the Tiger” - Survivor
Song from the movie “Rocky III”, again just a classic rocker that makes me want to lift, run, move or be physical. “Just a man and his will to survive.” That line is my baseball “career”. Jim Peterik, Chicago’s own originally from “The Ides of March” co-wrote it.
8. “There Used to Be a Ballpark” - Frank Sinatra
A classic. It speaks about the memories and love of baseball. Most people think it was about Ebbets Field (Home of the Brooklyn Dodgers), but Joe Raposo said he wrote it about his childhood days at The Polo Grounds (Home of the New York Giants). But it can be related to everyone’s youth spent at your team’s park.
9. “This Used to Be My Playground” - Madonna
Played in the closing scene of the film “A League of Their Own”. It always makes me think of “Hoyne Playground’s Field” and Ralph E. Bermele Little League. Not my most outstanding performances on that field, but where my love for the game was cemented. Makes me also remember some people that supported my baseball dreams, then, later, and now.
I’m sure as I continue to play, other songs will be added or at least considered. But for now, this is the playlist. By the way, we lost the game, but it was a good time. It felt great being back on the field.
Hope you enjoyed the music. Any suggestions or thoughts?
~ Coach Mike
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Interesting Playlist! That Frank Sinatra song was new to me. He was my Grandma's favorite but I never heard her play that one.
Lol, Mike, you got me feeling nostalgic for the 80's and I have a slightly different appreciation of songs that moved me back then, here are a justca couple that came to mind...
Flash dance What A Feeling... https://youtu.be/miax0Jpe5mA
From Fame... not the one you probably think of first... I'll leave you guessing... https://youtu.be/tG-wl2qqD7Y
Having been a Poms coach, these were newer ones to try...
The Script Hall of Fame: https://youtu.be/1yBc5aDEk5o
Carrie Underwood...
https://youtu.be/Htu3va7yDMg
Maybe I'll try your Playlist before I paint next time. ;).
Love your playlist🤗. Centerfield always one of my favorites‼️ Thanks for sharing 🎵🎸