For the purpose of this post, I omitted some obvious tunes like, "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," "Come See Let's Brewing" (the 1980's Brewers theme song), and "The Beer Barrel Polka," as for me, these seem like obvious Miller Park staples. Instead, I looked for songs recorded by artists I enjoy that either deal directly with baseball or baseball-related themes.
Please feel free to share with me your favorites in the comments section of this blog:
Honorable Mention: Eddie Vedder "All the Way" 2007.
A great homage to the Chicago Cubs, and a great song overall. However, as a die-hard Brewers fan, I just can't put a Cubs' tune in my top 5. However, if there is ever one that is worthy of being mentioned it's this one.
5. Bruce Springsteen "Glory Days" 1985.
What kid who ever donned a glove or picked up a bat didn't dream of being a big league player? Leave it to "The Boss" to capture the essence of summer-- reminiscing of days gone by, fun stories with friends, and good times. While one of the characters in the song is a high school baseball player, I think the main draw for me is how baseball, like this tune, allows us to reconnect with fond memories in the past.
4. Widespread Panic "Rebirtha"1996.
Widespread Panic, hailing from Athens, Georiga, are notorious for being die-hard Braves fans (although I have seen lead singer/guitarist wear a Brewers hat or jersey on occasion at shows in Milwaukee during Summerfest throughout the years). Widespread Panic's soulful southern rock, especially Bell's howling vocals, invoke a baseball "feel." The line in this tune that resonates for me is:"I know a town where real life's a game
Baseball's all that's real
At night all the faces light up
As the players take the field"
Tell me if that doesn't remind you of Milwaukee during the recent 2008 or 2011 Brewers playoff runs?
3. Wilco & Billy Bragg, "Joe Dimaggio's Done It Again." 2000.
What would a baseball song list be without an homage to a great player from yesteryear? This was a song originally penned by Woody Gutherie that appeared on Wilco & Bully Bragg's Mermaid Avenue Vol 2 record. It's a great narrative about Joltin' Joe, and even better testament to how engrained baseball is in our popular culture.
2. John Forgerty, "Centerfield" 1985."Put me in cold, I'm ready to play," howls former CCR front man on his classic track about baseball. This track ranks #2 on my list as it really is a well-written and musically moving tribute to the game itself, and the passion an emotion that it can instill in its fans. Not much more needs to be said about this tune, as it's become a time honored classic, and perhaps the rock tune that is most often associated with the game itself.
1. The Hold Steady "Constructive Summer" 2008.
This song is perhaps the "Glory Days" of its era. The Hold Steady, are often compared to Springsteen's earlier work, as being a "ultimate bar band," with catchy rock riffs, shouting vocals, and raw emotion and energy that is palpable live or coming through your speakers. This tune deals with the eternal hope that summer brings, old friends and the importance of taking it upon yourself to build your own lasting memories (baseball related or not). While never mentioning the words "baseball," "player," "bat," "ball," "stadium," or anything of the like, Craig Finn and the boys from The Hold Steady capture the essence of hopefulness that springs forth each year at the start of the baseball season for fans in Milwaukee and everywhere.
Here is a video I shot of "Constructive Summer" live in Madison, WI at the "Majestic Theater" during the summer of 2008.
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