PLAY BALL!

This past Friday was opening day for the Colorado Rockies. For some reason I started to think about music in baseball and ‘at bat’ songs. I wonder how long it takes an athlete to select their ‘at bat’ song. This is a big decision…this song will be played multiple times each game and hundreds of times during the season. The song selected serves multiple purposes. The song selection helps to shed some light on the individual’s personality; it’s used to pump up the athlete and is an entertaining element for the crowd.

I’ve searched the internet and it is unclear when and where ‘at bat’ songs originated, one thing is evident, it is a tradition you can hear at MLB and college stadiums across the US.

I stated to think of the song I would use for my at bat song and thought it would be fun to include songs my co-workers would select. Just click on the name to hear the song selected…

Karl Benson
Jeff Hurd
Dave Chaffin
Anthony Archbald
Steve Borland
Kathy Schild
Hope Shuler
Michelle Smith
Mollie Lehman
Elizabeth Kampfe
Megan Allen

“At bat: songs in MLB:
Boston Red Sox
Tampa Bay Devil Rays

While doing research on ‘at bat’ songs I stumbled upon some interesting information about music in baseball, in particular the origins of the seventh inning stretch.

The reason for the seventh inning stretch is unclear. Some historians believe that President Taft started the time honored tradition while attending the Washington Senators and the Philadelphia Athletics game in 1910. Apparently Taft became restless during the game and decided to stand and stretch his limbs. When Taft stood up, the entire stadium rose – as you know if the President stands those in his presence are to stand as well. Fans expected Taft to depart the stadium, instead he returned to his seat to watch the conclusion of the game. Others believe the tradition began in 1869 when Harry Wright of the Cincinnati Red Stockings noted that "The spectators all arise between halves of the seventh inning, extend their legs and arms and sometimes walk about. In so doing they enjoy the relief afforded by relaxation from a long posture upon hard benches."

To this date ballparks still honor this tradition and play “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” in the middle of the seventh inning. Some franchises have even started their own traditions:

The Yankees play “New York, New York” after each home game.
Boston Red Sox play “Sweet Caroline” during the eight inning of each contest.
After the passing of Harry Carry the Chicago Cubs organization welcomes various guest to attend the game and lead the crowd in the singing of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”

To read about more MLB ball park traditions click here