Baseball's Greatest Hits: Recordings that Remind Us of the Sport

Baseball is the most revered national past-time, and it holds a vast history under its belt. Whether it's watching a big league game, or playing on a team after school, the sport has touched everyone in some way. Many of those moments can be relived through music or speech. Here is a list of baseball themed recordings that evoke emotion and nostalgia over the sport.

Originating from Tin Pan Alley, this classic "is" baseball. "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," was written by Jack Norwoth, and has been recorded by various artists over the years. Regardless of the version, it will always be the sport's original anthem. When listening to this one, the anticipation of the opening pitch can be as memorable as sitting next to your dad, sharing a box of Crackerjack.

Remember sitting on the bench, waiting for your turn to play? "Centerfield" by John Fogarty certainly doesn't let us forget. Wasn't it only yesterday when we were in the dugout with a mouthful of Big League Chew, glove in hand, ready to hit the field?

It's tough getting old. Back in the 80's when MTV was king and there were actual music videos, "The Boss" had a number of hits including "Glory Days." Bruce Springsteen sang of days gone by. You can practically feel the dirt under your feet and taste the dust as he hits that pitcher's mound. It brings back childhood memories, and it feels good.

This one may bring a tear to your eye. Kenny Rogers himself is an American institution. His song "The Greatest" tells the tale of a young boy trying to hit a ball. It may remind you of hanging out in your own backyard as a kid with a ball and bat, playing catch with your dad, or with your own child. Either way, it's heartwarming.

"They'll find they have reserved seats somewhere along one of the baselines, where they sat when they were children and cheered their heroes." James Earl Jones said it best in the film Field of Dreams as "Terence Mann." If you haven't seen it, see it. If you don't own, buy it. You'll enjoy listening to the original soundtrack just as much. It is movie magic on many levels, and essentially became a classic upon its release. This baseball themed movie touches upon redemption and dreams. Something we can all relate to in one way or another.

Passion for the game. Imagination is a wonderful thing. "Play The Game" by Dean Brantley Taylor/Willie McCulloch is described as a song about sons, fathers, and baseball. The lyrics will have you thinking you're on the field once you close your eyes and listen.

Every team has its fans. Growing up loving the Red Sox, I would wait for the ice cream truck to come around the block every day. With a handful of change I would buy as many packs of Topps baseball cards as I could. Ripping them open feverishly, I would be looking for anything Red Sox, particularly, the "Yaz" card. We all have our favorites, and many artists and fans have written songs about them. "The Carl Yastrzemski Song" by Boston Disc Jockey Jess Cain is one of those songs.

The one person in baseball everyone loves to hate. The lyrics in Mitch Miller's "Umpire" explain it very well. "We ain't got no use for the umpire unless he calls 'em our way."

Saying goodbye is hard. Lou Gehrig's Farewell Speech. Short, sweet, and memorable. We are reminded that heroes are so in more than one way. It is a sport, with a very human side.

Resources/Sources:

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Baseball Almanac

The Carl Yastrzemski Song

Field of Dreams Original Soundtrack

Dean Brantley Taylor

Lou Gehrig's Speech