I’ve selected the best baseball songs of all time, capturing the spirit and excitement of America’s favorite pastime.
This collection highlights the tunes that resonate with baseball fans and players alike, creating a perfect soundtrack for the game we love.
Table of Contents
Top baseball songs of all time
- “Knock It out of the Park” by Sam & Dave
- “Piazza, New York Catcher” by Belle and Sebastian
- “D-O-D-G-E-R-S Song (Oh, Really? No, O’Malley)” by Danny Kaye
- “A Dying Cub Fan’s Last Request” by Steve Goodman
- “The Baseball Song” by Corey Smith
- “Talkin’ Baseball” by Terry Cashman
- “Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio” by Les Brown
- “Tessie” by Dropkick Murphys
- “Glory Days” by Bruce Springsteen
- “Say Hay (The Willie Mays Song)” by The Treniers
1. “Knock It out of the Park” by Sam & Dave
“Knock It Out of the Park” by Sam & Dave was released as a single in 1970.
It is an upbeat track featuring creative baseball metaphors and is one of the duo’s most popular songs.
The lyrics focus on overcoming adversity and the idea that, with enough effort and determination, anything is possible.
The song charted at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S. and #10 in the UK.
2. “Piazza, New York Catcher” by Belle and Sebastian
“Piazza, New York Catcher” was written by the band’s lead singer, Stuart Murdoch.
The song is a tribute to the former New York Mets catcher Mike Piazza, who played for the team from 1998 to 2005.
The narrator asks Piazza for advice on his love life, and Piazza offers some words of wisdom that help the narrator find clarity.
The lyrics reference several baseball terms, such as “bunting” and “stealing home,” and compare Piazza to a “matinée idol” and a “silver lining.”
3. “D-O-D-G-E-R-S Song (Oh, Really? No, O’Malley)” by Danny Kaye
“D-O-D-G-E-R-S Song” (Oh, Really? “No, O’Malley”) by Danny Kaye is a playful tribute to the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball team and their owner, Walter O’Malley.
The song references many of the Dodgers’ players from the late 1950s, including Pee Wee Reese, Duke Snider, and Roy Campanella.
The title of the song is a play on words, with “D-O-D-G-E-R-S” being spelled out rhythmically.
It also mentions the team’s historic move from Brooklyn to Los Angeles, which was controversial at the time and still evokes strong feelings among many baseball fans.
4. “A Dying Cub Fan’s Last Request” by Steve Goodman
“A Dying Cub Fan’s Last Request” by Steve Goodman is a funny and touching tribute to the Chicago Cubs baseball team and their loyal fans.
The song was first released on Goodman’s 1977 album Say It in Private and has since become a beloved anthem for Cubs fans.
In the song, the narrator is a die-hard Cubs fan who knows he is dying and has one final request: to see the Cubs win the World Series before he passes away.
Since the Cubs haven’t won a World Series since 1908, Goodman’s lyrics show the heartbreak and frustration that many Cubs fans have felt over the years.
5. “The Baseball Song” by Corey Smith
This country music song was released in 2011 as a part of Corey Smith’s album The Broken Record.
The song is an ode to the game of baseball and the memories and experiences that come with it.
The song starts with a nostalgic recounting of the singer’s memories of playing baseball as a child and how the game still holds a special place in his heart.
It then goes on to describe the sights, sounds, and smells of a baseball game, from the crack of the bat to the roar of the crowd.
The chorus is a catchy and upbeat celebration of the game, with the singer declaring that “it’s the baseball that makes it all worthwhile.”
6. “Talkin’ Baseball” by Terry Cashman
“Talkin’ Baseball” by Terry Cashman is also known as “Willie, Mickey, and The Duke,” a reference to three legendary baseball players from the 1950s: Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, and Duke Snider.
The song was a tribute to the three players and also to the sport of baseball as a whole.
The song’s lyrics focus on the history of baseball and some of its most famous players, including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jackie Robinson, and Joe DiMaggio.
The chorus of the song repeats the line, “We’re talkin’ baseball,” which emphasizes the love and passion that fans have for the sport.
7. “Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio” by Les Brown
“Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio” is a popular song written by Ben Homer, Buddy Kaye, and Ira Gershwin and recorded by Les Brown and His Orchestra in 1941.
The song was written as a tribute to the famous baseball player Joe DiMaggio, who was a star player for the New York Yankees during the 1940s.
The song’s lyrics praise DiMaggio’s great baseball career by calling him a “home run king” and a “Yankee Clipper” who “roamed center field with grace.”
8. “Tessie” by Dropkick Murphys
George M. Cohan, a composer, and lyricist for vaudeville wrote “Tessie” in 1902. It was first played as a show tune.
In 2004, the Dropkick Murphys made it their own, and the Boston Red Sox baseball team used it as their theme song.
The song tells the story of a young woman named Tessie who becomes the object of affection for a group of young men.
The lyrics are full of enthusiasm and energy, reflecting the excitement of the young men who are singing about their love for Tessie.
The chorus of the song features the repeated refrain, “Tessie, you make my heart feel so badly,” which has become a well-known catchphrase among Red Sox fans.
9. “Glory Days” by Bruce Springsteen
The lyrics of “Glory Days” tell the story of a man who is looking back on his high school years and reminiscing about the good times he had with his friends.
Over the years, “Glory Days” has become one of Springsteen’s most popular and enduring songs. Its nostalgic sound and longing lyrics have made it a hit with listeners.
The song’s themes of youth, friendship, and the passage of time are universal and have struck a chord with listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
10. “Say Hay (The Willie Mays Song)” by The Treniers
“Say Hey (The Willie Mays Song)” by The Treniers is a tribute to Willie Mays, the famous baseball player who played for the New York Giants at the time.
The song’s lyrics talk about Mays’s many skills on the field, such as his speed, agility, and ability to hit hard.
Over the years, it has been covered by several other artists, and it remains a beloved tribute to Willie Mays and his incredible career.
11. “Night Game” by Paul Simon
“Night Game” by Paul Simon tells the story of a night baseball game and the emotions and memories it evokes for the narrator.
The lyrics paint a clear picture of the stadium, the players, and the fans, and they also touch on deeper ideas like nostalgia, regret, and the passing of time.
12. “Joe DiMaggio Done It Again” by Wilco
“Joe DiMaggio Done It Again” is a tribute to the baseball player Joe DiMaggio, who played for the New York Yankees in the 1930s and 1940s.
DiMaggio was known for his long-hitting streaks. In 1941, he set a record by hitting in 56 straight games.
The lyrics of the song describe DiMaggio’s grace and skill on the field, as well as his appeal to fans off the field.
The chorus repeats the phrase “Joe DiMaggio done it again,” celebrating his continued success as a player and his enduring popularity as an American icon.
13. “The Greatest” by Kenny Rogers
“The Greatest” was released as a single in 1999 and was included on Kenny Rogers’ album She Rides Wild Horses.
The song tells the tale of a young boy who plays baseball alone in the backyard.
He tries to hit the ball while throwing it high in the air, but he constantly strikes himself out.
The song has a powerful message about the importance of family and the true meaning of success.
14. “Centerfield” by John Fogerty
“Centerfield” is an upbeat, catchy tribute to baseball, with lyrics that celebrate the joy of the game and its players.
The song’s lyrics describe the excitement and anticipation of being a young baseball player, dreaming of one day making it to the big leagues.
It also celebrates the sport’s long history, with references to legendary players like Willie Mays and Joe DiMaggio.
15. “Right Field” by Peter, Paul and Mary
“Right Field” by Peter, Paul, and Mary is an ode to the experience of playing baseball in childhood, with the lyrics describing a group of kids playing a game in a sandlot.
“Right Field” is the position that the main character is assigned to play, which is often seen as one of the less glamorous positions on the field.
The song’s lyrics touch on themes of inclusion and acceptance, highlighting the idea that everyone has a place on the field, regardless of their skill level.
16. “Load Up the Bases (The Baseball Song)” by Whiskey Falls
“Load Up the Bases (The Baseball Song)” by Whiskey Falls was released in 2007 and quickly became a popular anthem for baseball fans across the United States.
The song’s upbeat melody and catchy lyrics celebrate the excitement and energy of baseball, from the crack of the bat to the roar of the crowd.
The lyrics pay tribute to some of the game’s most iconic moments and players, referencing names like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Willie Mays.
17. “America’s Favorite Pastime” by Todd Snider
“America’s Favorite Pastime” by Todd Snider is a tribute to American Major League Baseball and tells the story of Dock Ellis’ LSD-induced no-hitter in 1970.
Ellis once pitched a no-hitter while under the influence of illegal narcotics, which amazed Snider, who decided to write a song about it and relate it to his struggles with addiction.
He also used the lyrics to reflect on his depression and ask why, despite being a successful musician, he had trouble controlling his emotions.
18. “Saga of Dandy, the Devil & Day” by Ultramagnetic MCs
The lyrics of “Saga of Dandy, the Devil, and Day” by Ultramagnetic MCs are a tribute to baseball’s Negro League, specifically to Josh Gibson, a catcher for the Pittsburgh Crawfords.
The song talks about Gibson’s struggles in the Negro League, where he couldn’t play in the Major League because of the color of his skin, and how he was able to do well despite the problems he faced.
The song ends with the line “you can’t keep a good man down,” a tribute to Gibson’s dedication and perseverance.
19. “Catfish” by Bob Dylan
James Hunter, a pitcher who played for New York, Oakland, and Kansas City in the 1960s and 1970s, was known by the nickname “Catfish”.
This song, which Bob Dylan co-wrote with Jacques Levy, is about Hunter’s legacy.
Hunter achieved the remarkable milestone of 200 game victories in 1976, the same year the song was recorded.
20. “Cheap Seats” by Alabama
“Cheap Seats” by Alabama was released in 1993, and it celebrates the joy and excitement of watching a baseball game from the cheap seats, which are the least expensive and farthest from the action.
The song’s lyrics are a tribute to the ordinary, hardworking people who enjoy attending baseball games, regardless of where they sit in the stadium.
The song paints a picture of fans from all walks of life, united in their love for the game and their team.
It also references the history and tradition of the sport, with nods to famous baseball players of the past and the timelessness of the game.
21. “That’s the Way Baseball Go” by Merle Haggard
“That’s the Way Baseball Go” by Merle Haggard was written in response to a request from Bob and Janice Simpson, co-chairman and co-owner of the Texas Rangers baseball team.
He asked Merle to write a song that would capture the spirit of the team.
The song quickly became a fan favorite and is now often played at Rangers games.
The song is an upbeat, jazzy tune that expresses the joy of the game through a series of charming baseball-related metaphors.
22. “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” by Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly
“Take Me Out to the Ball Game” is a classic American song that is traditionally sung during the seventh-inning stretch of a baseball game.
The song was written by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer in 1908 and has since become an iconic part of American sports culture.
Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly recorded a popular version of the song in 1949 for the musical film “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” in which they played two baseball players.
The song’s lyrics express the singer’s love of the game of baseball and the joy of watching a game at the ballpark with friends and family.
23. “Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball” by Natalie Cole
“Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball?” by Natalie Cole is a song originally written by Buddy Johnson and Count Basie in 1949.
It celebrated the accomplishments of baseball legend Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Natalie Cole, who recorded a version for her 1993 album Take a Look.
Natalie Cole’s rendition of the song features a lively big band arrangement and showcases her powerful vocals.
In the spoken-word part of her version, she pays tribute to Robinson’s legacy and the ways he changed baseball and civil rights in the United States.
24. “All The Way” by Eddie Vedder
“All the Way” was written for the Chicago Cubs and released in 2008 as a tribute to the team and their fans.
The song is an upbeat and optimistic anthem that encourages listeners to keep pushing forward, no matter what obstacles they may face.
The lyrics reference the Cubs’ long history of struggles and the team’s 2008 season, which saw them clinch the National League Central division title.
25. “Ichiro’s Theme” by Ben Gibbard
“Ichiro’s Theme” is a tribute to Ichiro Suzuki, a Japanese professional baseball player who played for the Seattle Mariners from 2001 to 2012.
The lyrics of the song describe Ichiro’s prowess on the baseball field, as well as his impact on the city of Seattle and its fans.
The song also touches on the cultural divide that Ichiro bridged as a Japanese player in the American Major Leagues, with lines such as “From the land of the rising sun, he came to play / In the land of Microsoft and microbrews.”
Wrapping Up Our List of the Best Baseball Songs
In conclusion, baseball has always been a sport that has captured the hearts and minds of people all over the world.
Its rich history, iconic players, and memorable moments have inspired countless artists to create music that pays tribute to the game.
The 25 Best Baseball Songs of All Time are a testament to the enduring appeal of America’s pastime and the deep cultural impact it has had on society.
Whether you’re a diehard baseball enthusiast or simply a music lover, the Best Baseball Songs of All Time offer something for everyone.
They remind us of the passion, excitement, and joy that this great sport can bring, and they serve as a timeless tribute to one of America’s greatest pastimes.
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