CD Review: Baseball Songs Sports Heroes: People Who Have Made a Difference
by Siu Wai Stroshane
March 13, 2004
By Phil Coley and Joe Pickering, Jr.
King of the Road Music, 2001
These songs root for the underdog, there's no doubt about it. They range from a heartfelt tribute to the Golden Greek, Harry Agganis, whose stunning career was cut short at 26, to "Babe Ruth's Curse I and II," directly addressing our most famous player who is (presumably) in heaven. "Babe Ruth's Curse I" will be featured on the soon-to-be released on the new HBO DVD, "The Curse of the Bambino," narrated by Ben Affleck (without JLo, thank goodness!)
There is a charming tribute to Fenway Park, and "God's Not a Mets Fan," for those who have also suffered at the hands of the Yankees. "The Mystery of the World" tries to solve the question of why the Red Sox just can't seem to win the Series. And we can't just blame it on the Sultan of Swat! There's even a catchy song entitled "Who?" that urges forgiveness for a certain 1986 player with Hall of Fame stats, who will always be remembered for "one boo-boo!" Die-hard Red Sox fans will especially appreciate these funny but painful tales of all that we've been through.
They are all great songs, but in my opinion, what sets this collection above most baseball songs are the stories of lesser-known pioneers of baseball that faced discrimination, such as "Louis Sockalexis," the first American Indian in the majors. And those who think Chief Wahoo is cool might think twice after hearing "I'm Not Your Mascot, I'm a Man."
Another strong number is "Smokey Joe", about an early black pitcher who was" so good, Ty Cobb (yes, that Ty Cobb!) had to say he'd win 30 games any day" but was barred from the white leagues his whole career. A natural follow-up to that song; is "Let's Not Forget," which recalls the players of the Negro Leagues who endured nasty treatment as well. The best line is, "Robinson slid home to end this national shame, bunted home by blacks who long ago played the game."
There's even a spirited tribute to a special, very loyal lady named Dorothy in "Who's the Greatest Red Sox Fan?"
And finally, "The Hottest Game" recalls the day Beantown played Baltimore in 1894 and went up in flames after John McGraw got in a fight (what else is new?) with "Fog Horn" Tucker. Meanwhile a few bone-headed fans clamored for the game to go on. That day had tragic consequences for thousands of Boston's citizens.
I did tend to notice a sameness in the beat of some of the lyrics, but Joe Pickering's concepts are fresh, and Phil Coley spices up each song with his snappy musical arrangements, ranging from country to rock to jazz. His country-style singing is heartfelt, even humorous at times, and his band backs him up with irresistible licks.
With spring training blossoming and hope rising in the hearts of baseball fans once again, this is a great collection of songs to get us in the mood. Even more than that, it's a lively piece of baseball history that you can sing along to or use in classrooms everywhere! (And you just might even develop a taste for Maine lobster and blueberries.)
I give this CD 2.5 out of a possible 4 balls!
Our Rating System is based on a four ball system as follows:
One Ball: Average. It has something to say but is nothing special.
Two Balls: Something men usually have - also means its a cut above
average, and worth reading/owning.
Three balls: Stands out from its peers and is highly recommended.
Four Balls: More than just what two men have when hanging out together,
it means it is an exceptional book that truly earns a walk - straight to
the local book store to get a copy.
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