Baseball is America’s favorite pastime. Unsurprisingly, some outstanding baseball related country songs have been composed over the years. Here are some of the best country songs about baseball ever.
“Swing” by Trace Adkins
Song Year: 2006
“Swing” is a country song composed by Frank Rogers and Chris Stapleton and recorded by Trace Adkins. The song was released as the lead single from his 7th studio album, Dangerous Man.
This tune tells the tale of a group of men attempting to woo one girl, comparing their efforts to a baseball game. The pitch represents a date with the lady. The men attempt to hit the ball but miss, and the next man in line steps up to the plate.
“The Cheap Seats” by Alabama
Song Year: 1994
Alabama is undoubtedly one of the most well-known country groups of all time. The band typically performs country rock but wanted to offer a different flavor of their music with “The Cheap Seats.”
Lyrically, the track is hilarious in every way. With its catchy lyrics and rousing beat, “The Cheap Seats” talks about finding happiness in the little things in life, like enjoying a ball game from the cheapest seats. The song peaked at #13 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks and #6 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks.
“Centerfield” by John Fogerty
Song Year: 1985
John Fogerty released “Centerfield” as the title track of his first solo album following a 9-year hiatus. The track borrows inspiration from Fogerty’s childhood memories of baseball. While he didn’t play the game, he enjoyed watching games and listening to his father’s tales about the great New York Yankees center fielder Joe DiMaggio, also from San Francisco.
Alongside “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” it quickly became one of the most popular baseball tracks. It routinely plays between innings at ballparks and nonstop at New York’s Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
“Take Me Out To the Ball Game” by Jack Norwoth and Albert Von Tilzer
Song Year: 1908
The baseball anthem that has stood the test of time was composed by two dudes who had never even attended a game. Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer of Tin Pan Alley composed “Take Me Out To the Ball Game” in 1908. Norworth had no interest in baseball, but in this era before mass media, attending a game was a common experience that made for an excellent theme for a song.
The track’s chorus is usually sung during the seventh-inning stretch of various baseball games. Fans are usually urged to sing along; in some ballparks, the words “home team” are substituted with the team’s name.
“Go Cubs Go” by Steve Goodman
Song Year: 1984
“Go Cubs Go” is a track by Steve Goodman in 1984. Steve recorded the track upon request to write a more optimistic song following his 1981 track “A Dying Cub Fan’s Last Request.”
The Goodman version of the song has served as the official team anthem and victory song of the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field following every home win. After the Chicago Cubs’ first World Series win in over 100 years in 2016, the tune peaked at #3 on Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles Chart.
“The Greatest” by Kenny Rogers
Song Year: 1999
“The Greatest” is a track composed by Don Schlitz and recorded by the legendary American country music star Kenny Rogers. Rogers released the song as the inaugural single of his 23rd studio album; She Rides Wild Horses. The track peaked at #26 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.
“The Greatest,” tells a story of a young body tossing a baseball in the air one afternoon, trying to hit it. Although he misses the ball three times, striking himself out, Rogers brings in an ode of hopeful optimism at the end, as the boy realizes he can still call himself a “Great” despite the disappointment.
“Glory Days” by Bruce Springsteen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vQpW9XRiyM
Song Year: 1984
“Glory Days” is a track composed and recorded by American rock artist Bruce Springsteen from his 7th studio album, “Born in the U.S.A.” This nostalgic track embodies the bittersweet feeling of looking back in time, recalling all the good and bad experiences, but realizing they’re gone and cannot be recaptured.
As per Springsteen’s account, “Glory Days” took inspiration from a chance encounter with one of his high school friends who was a star baseball player. The song peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles charts.
“All the Way” by Eddie Vedder
Song Year: 2008
“All The Way” is a country music track composed and recorded by Pearl Jam and vocalist Eddie Vedder about the Chicago Cubs. Vedder has been a lifelong Cubs fan. At the time of the track’s release, it had been a century since the Cubs had won the World Series.
The tune, which enthusiastically anticipates the Cubs’ next World Series victory, was penned with the encouragement of several Chicago Cubs, notably Ernie Banks. With its smashing guitar riffs, powerful lyrics, and Vedder’s distinctive vocals, “All The Way” has become a true classic.
“Talkin’ Baseball (Willie, Mickie & The Duke)” by Terry Cashman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWKA9Zi5-_Y
Song Year: 1981
“Talkin’ Baseball (Willie, Mickie & The Duke)” is a song composed and recorded by Terry Cashman. The song describes the history of major league baseball in the United States from the 1950s to the early 1980s.
The track was initially released during the 1981 Major League Baseball Strike and borrowed inspiration from a picture of three outfielders, Millie Mays, Mickey Mantle, and Duke Snider. The track quickly garnered popularity among baseball fans, and soon Cashman started recording alternate versions of the track, each concentrating on a single major-league team.
“Nolan Ryan (He’s a Hero to Us All)” by Jeff Walker
Song Year: 1991
“Nolan Ryan (He’s a Hero to Us All)” by Jeff Walker is a tribute to the legendary baseball pitcher Nolan Ryan. The track featured on Ryan’s album, Navajo Rug, released in 1991. The song remarkably captures the respect and admiration baseball fans hold for Nolan.
Walker’s lyrics illustrate Ryan’s remarkable career, depicting his unwavering resilience and ability to entertain audiences with his great pitching skills. The song is a favorite among baseball fans and country music lovers, thanks to its fine melody and the singer’s hearty delivery.
“America’s Favorite Pastime” by Todd Snider
Song Year: 2009
For this track, Snider, who battled drug addiction, claims he borrowed inspiration from Pittsburgh Pirates baseball player Doc Ellis. In 1970, Pittsburg Pirates pitched a no-hitter while high on LSD.
Ellis didn’t do that purposefully but thought he would pitch the following day. Although this story has no morals, Snider claims it reminds people not to judge others based on their first impressions.
“Load up the Bases” by Whiskey Falls
Song Year: 2007
Whiskey Falls was a short-lived country band that lasted from 2007 to 2011. During this period, they released only one self-titled album. “Load Up The Bases” features on this album as the last single.
This track is about a baseball player who proclaims his passion for the sport while boasting his ability to make a home run. The track resonated with many baseball fans nationwide, reaching #55 on the country music charts from airtime during the 2007 and 2008 World Series.
“Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball?” by Buddy Johnson
Song Year: 1949
Jackie Robinson inspired numerous musicians to write songs in his honor. At least four songs featuring Robinson were submitted to the Library of Congress Copyright Office in the years after his 1947 big league debut. These songs included “Jackie Robinson Blues” and “The Jackie Robinson Boogie.”
However, Buddy Johnson’s classic “Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball?” is the most popular. This song describes how Jackie Robinson was an exceptional batter and all-around athlete. It features some great lyrics and is also a great tune about a player who defied the color barrier.
“The Hitter” by Mark Erelli
Song Year: 2019
“The Hitter” is a fascinating composition written and performed by Mark Erelli that featured on his album of the same name. Erelli skillfully weaves the themes of life’s struggles and baseball in this moving track.
The singer explores the life of a former baseball player who reflects on his glory days and the sacrifices he made along the way. Erelli’s hearty lyrics and the acoustic guitar convey the player’s bittersweet introspection and nostalgia.
“Third Base Dodger Stadium” by Ry Cooder
Song Year: 2005
“Third Base Dodger Stadium” is a heartfelt track by Ry Cooder from his album, Chavez Ravine. Released in 2005, the song talks about the rich history of a Los Angeles neighborhood destroyed to create room for the construction of Dodger Stadium.
Unlike most other tracks on our list that focus on the good aspects of the game, this song is a tribute to the residents displaced because of the development. It depicts Americans’ love for the game and how they can do anything to enjoy their beloved pastime.
Top Country Songs About Baseball, Final Thoughts
Baseball season is here! What better way to enjoy it than with some great country music songs? Whether you love some classic country music or contemporary tunes, this list got you covered. Pick some songs to listen to as you enjoy that caramel popcorn, peanuts, and the crack of the ball on the bat.